FBC Independence Podcast

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Building on our study of Spiritual Gifts, how do we actually put them into action? In this message, we begin a new series on Discovering Your Ministry by looking at Colossians 4:7-10. Through the personal examples of those working alongside the Apostle Paul, we see how different gifts manifest in everyday service to grow the body of Christ. Key Highlights:Tychicus (The Encourager): Demonstrating the gift of encouragement by stimulating faith, encouraging others to do what is good, and helping meet daily needs (Colossians 4:7-8). Onesimus (The Servant): Showing a heart of service by taking a genuine interest in the welfare of others and seeking to serve Christ by serving those around them (Colossians 4:9). Aristarchus (The Mercy Giver): Embodying compassion by supporting, comforting, and standing with those in distress and extreme poverty (Colossians 4:10). Mark / John Mark (The Evangelist): Proving that even when we stumble, get discouraged, or face setbacks, God offers restoration, redemption, and a renewed call to ministry (Colossians 4:10). Your spiritual gift never changes, but God uses different ministries and seasons to work through you. Whether you are seeking to step into your calling or feeling discouraged and needing restoration, God has a unique place for you in His church! 💰 Give Online: Your contributions make our ministries possible. Give here: https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/ 📲 Download our App: Stay up to date on all things FBC. https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence 👍 Like our Page: Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/ 📍 Visit Us: Join us every Sunday at 10:30 AM, 500 W. Truman Road, Independence, MO Thank you for listening. We will see you next week!

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Each of us forms one body in Christ, yet God has given us distinct gifts according to His grace. Today, we continue our series on Spiritual Gifts by focusing on two essential motivations within the church: Leadership and Mercy.

Using the biblical examples of Nehemiah and the Apostle John, we break down what these gifts look like in practice, their characteristics, how they can be misused, and how Jesus ultimately modeled both for us.

Key Scriptures:

Romans 12:4–8
1 Corinthians 12:1 & 1 Peter 4:10
Nehemiah 1–4
1 John 4, 3 John, John 11 & 13

Get Involved:* 🤝 Partner With Us Online: Support our ministry financially at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/ * 📍 Worship With Us In Person: We'd love to meet you! We worship at 10:30 every Sunday at 500 W. Truman Rd, Independence, MO * ✉️ Questions or Prayer Requests? Reach out to us at fbcindepmo@gmail.com

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In this episode, we continue our series "God Is Up To Something!" by diving into the transition from the earthly ministry of Jesus to the birth of the early church. We explore why Jesus told His disciples it was actually to their advantage that He leave so that the Holy Spirit could come.

What We Cover:* The Promise of Power: Understanding Acts 1:8 and how the Holy Spirit empowers believers to be witnesses from their local neighborhoods to the ends of the earth. * The Spirit’s Identity: How the Holy Spirit is God in Spirit form, fulfilling Jesus' promise to be with us always. * Practical Help: A look at the five ways the Spirit assists us today: in prayer, as a guide, in witnessing, as a comfort, and as the sustainer of life. * The Spirit’s Work in the World: Exploring the "legal" work of the Spirit in convicting the world regarding sin, righteousness, and judgment.

The same power that launched the early church is available to you today. Join us as we learn how to walk in the leading of the Holy Spirit and fulfill our unique calling in this generation.

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The same power that launched the early church is available to you today. Join us as we learn how to walk in the leading of the Holy Spirit and fulfill our unique calling in this generation.

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Feeling like life is a whirlwind? The early disciples felt the same way in Acts 1. The answer isn't a new plan; it’s a new perspective. God is up to something! Stop trying to be His consultant and start living in His Kingdom today. #Acts #WhatNow #KingdomLiving

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Easter is the ultimate reminder that change doesn't mean "the end." Because Jesus is alive, our hope is renewed and our future is bright. David Scott concludes our series with a powerful look at the Resurrection, proving that with a living Christ, every ending is just a new beginning.

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What keeps a church standing when the faces on stage change? It isn’t a personality—it’s a Foundation. This week, Mr. Dave walks us through why our church remains "firmly planted" because it is built on the only Cornerstone that matters: Jesus Christ. Text: Ephesians 2:19–22; 1 Corinthians 3:11 The best way you can support our ministry is by sharing this podcast with your friends and family! 💰 Give Online: Your contributions make our ministries possible. Give here📲 Download our App: Stay up to date on all things FBC.Download the App 👍 Like our Page: Follow us on Facebook 📍 Visit Us: Join us every Sunday at 10:30 AM, 500 W. Truman Road, Independence, MO Thank you for watching. We will see you next week!

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In the wake of leadership change, it’s easy to feel uncertain about the future. In this first installment of our "Unchanging Christ" series, David Scott explores the comforting truth of Psalm 23 and John 10: The Good Shepherd is still leading, still protecting, and still present.

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Throughout my formal ‘preacher’ education, I was privileged to take all sorts of classes; biblical studies, histories of various churches and groups, and, especially interesting, were the classes that dealt with the ethical situations one might encounter in the ministry. These helped this young minister greatly, of course, but my classes did not prepare me for everything.

About 15 years into my ministry, I was called into the hospital Emergency Room; one of my members, a man named Wilbur, had had a massive stroke, and it was obvious he was not long for this world. His wife was there, and we talked for some time. Finally, it was about time for me to leave, and I asked his wife, Imo, if we could pray together. She said, “Of course,” and I asked her, “Imo, how would you like for me to pray?” We both knew the grim reality of Wilbur’s situation. She pondered for a few seconds, and finally she grabbed my hand, and said, “Could you pray that God would take him soon? He’s gone, so there’s no point in asking for anything else.” I was relieved, of course, but a little taken aback, because no one had ever asked that of me before. We prayed as she requested; I gave her a brief hug and went home for the evening. I got a call from her just a couple of hours later, and she informed me that her husband of over 70 years had gone to be with Jesus.

I’ve thought of that conversation often over the years. I am often asked to pray that God will heal or protect one in a crisis; I have also heard people insist on prayers for a miracle, because “it’s never too late.” I understand the hope people may have when they face the loss of a loved one. Still, I appreciated Imo’s realistic view of the situation. She had not lost hope, but she did realize that Wilbur’s life was over. We prayed that evening in hope: not the hope of physical healing, but the hope grounded in the resurrection of Jesus. In Christ, Wilbur’s death was a release from the burden of a broken body. In Christ, his death was an acceptance of God’s care for her husband. And, in Christ, we moved on in the hope that we would be united with him sometime far in the future, as the old song says, “In the sweet by and by.” God spoke to me that night and reminded me to accept in my heart what I knew in my head: God was always working and could bring a work of comfort and grace, even in the most difficult of times.

God often speaks to us, through his written Word, and through the words of preachers and teachers. And, just as powerfully, he can speak through the experiences of our lives, as we trust in him, and hear the truth of God’s love and grace.

Throughout the scriptures, we hear these kinds of things if we listen; we must only hear His Word. So, Paul teaches the young pastor Timothy, “I solemnly exhort you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom 2 preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine. Still, wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires. II Timothy 4:1-3

God speaks; we must always listen. Be still, and pay attention!

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Several years ago, I had purchased an old pickup with engine problems; the plan was to do a quick repair and sell it, and make some profit. I read a few articles about the process, and a couple mentioned a ‘trick’ that would save me quite a bit of time when replacing an internal engine part. Thinking I understood what the article meant and confident I could figure it out if I needed to, I jumped in and started disassembling the motor. When I got to the part where I planned to use the ‘trick’ mentioned in the article, though, I was stumped. It could not work! The parts were worn, everything was dirty and oily, and my old fingers simply couldn’t make things work. I re-read the articles, and even pulled out the factory manual for help – nothing helped! Finally, I turned to YouTube, an online video site, and punched in a title that I thought would help. It took a few minutes to find the right video, and I finally found one that discussed the ‘trick’ I was looking to use. The mechanic's voice-over made it seem really simple. After he got the light and the camera, he performed the trick – it was an amazing feat! Just like the article said, when you got your fingers in the right place and applied just the right pressure, you could disassemble part of the engine almost instantly, without any tools.

I couldn’t learn what I needed from just hearing about it – I needed to see it with my own eyes, and once I did, it worked well. Amazing!

The Apostle Palu knew nothing about working on an old truck motor. Still, he did understand the importance of a ‘picture’ or example of doing something, so that others might learn.

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul taught the early Christians how to live like Jesus. He put things into his own words, and then, to make sure they ‘got it,’ he pointed to the example of Jesus: not what He said, but what He did. Here is the way Paul taught the early church how to live:

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being

in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form

Of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being

found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became

obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:5-8

Do you see what Paul did? He did not repeat the words of Jesus in this section; he merely reminded readers of how Jesus lived and how he put his faith in God into action. That was Paul’s teaching method!

Jesus’ actions taught us: 1) Understand your ‘place’ in the Church. A believer is “in Christ,” with all the potential for Spiritual gifts and usefulness to God. 2) We must understand our ‘place’ in the church as a humble servant of God. The point of our faithfulness is to proclaim the Gospel, minister to others in the name of Christ, and glorify Him. Finally, 3) True faith leads one to obedience to the leadership of the Spirit and submission to God’s Word. We are to seek and find God’s will for us in any given situation, and prayerfully submit. That is God’s eternal plan!

Let me challenge you to learn from the actions of Jesus and learn to do more than just talk about your faith. Put it to work!

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I recently came across a story, told by a college professor, about an experience she had in which she believed God had clearly directed her in a specific situation.

The Professor (Joan) told the story of a young woman (Sherry) in one of her classes who was dressed poorly and looked a little ‘shabby’; she also kept to herself and dropped her eyes when she spoke to the teacher and others in the class. One day, as the young lady was walking out, she said “goodbye” to her, and as the woman walked out, she heard a voice in her head clearly say, “Give her the money in your wallet.” The professor felt a little odd about the situation and so resisted. She did look in her wallet and found a $20 bill; not much to lose, she thought. By the time she walked into the hallway to find her, Sherry had gone out the door and was nowhere to be found. Joan didn’t think any more about it, thinking she had imagined the whole thing. She was an active Christian and willing to help, but she had never had an experience in which she thought God might be speaking to her!

A few weeks later into the semester, and nothing had changed. Joan had spoken to Sherry but had never mentioned the experience to her or offered her any money. And then, one night, it happened again: as the young woman walked out, Joan heard that voice in her head again, “give her the money in her wallet.” She quickly dug out her wallet and found $40, twice the amount as before. She leapt to her feet and ran out into the hallway, and chased down the young woman. She caught up to her and blurted out, “I’ve never done this sort of thing before, but I’m Christian, and I feel like God has told me to give you the money in my wallet.” The young woman, surprised by her teacher’s approach, took the money and then explained that, just before class, even though she didn’t believe in God, she and a friend had prayed for a box of diapers. She explained that she was a single mother, had run out of money, and could not even buy her infant a box of diapers. She was desperate and had asked her friends and parents for help, but no one could help her! The two women spoke for a few minutes about the situation; Sherry was not a Christian and had never been to church, so she didn’t know what to say about God speaking to her teacher, but she was thankful for the help. They spoke for a few minutes, then went their separate ways.

Over the next few months, they talked often, first about the young child, and then Sherry’s prospects for life. They spoke often over the next few years; eventually, Sherry received Christ as her savior and remembered the help her friend had given her at the prompting of God’s Spirit.

There are so many truths from this true story! Let me speak of just one: God speaks to his people! Sometimes it is through the words of a teacher or preacher; or, as in our story, God speaks in the heart of a believer to act and, through the actions of others, to help in some way. More often, God speaks through the Bible, which Christians believe to be the living, powerful Word of God. Regardless, God speaks! Here is one passage that speaks to this truth: “From childhood you have known the sacred writings which can give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” II Timothy 3:15-17

Let me encourage you to read the Bible and learn to trust God’s Word. The scriptures can lead you to salvation in Jesus. As the teachings are applied to your life, they can transform and improve every area of your life, literally. In the Bible, God speaks!

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I recently had a conversation with a young minister about the ministry of a church in the area. The church was struggling to reach young people, even though they offered a variety of good, bible-centered ministries in the community. The organization was ‘off’ in some ways, and there were those in the congregation who were resistant to change, particularly younger members who were unlikely to make meaningful financial contributions. We talked about the issues of faith and obedience, as well as the struggle to get people to change things in the church from ‘the ways they have always been.’ The younger minister was a little angry and was considering leaving his place of service because people would not change. I encouraged him to be patient and to give people time to consider the change needs he was talking about. I knew from my 45 years of experience that most in the church wanted their church to do well and to do the right thing. It was a difficult discussion, because I knew how he was feeling; it can be very difficult, and even frustrating, to minister in a church with normal people who had different values!

Here is what the Apostle Paul wrote centuries ago, as he was dealing with the church in Ephesus, which was struggling with the very issues of church ministry, and how varying priorities and levels of spiritual maturity can cause real problems!

17 So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; 19 and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every

kind of impurity with greediness. 20 But you did not learn Christ in this way, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, 22 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Ephesians 4:17-14

As you read these words, you can tell that Paul is dealing with a church struggling with people who have different values and lifestyles, which are hindering the church's work! His words were direct and to the point:

First, the “Gentiles” were those in the area who were resisting Christian teachings. He did not criticize them; he just gave an assessment – they were not acting like Christians! They had turned towards a pagan lifestyle, sensual and characterized by sin. They were not interested in the ideas of the Christian faith. Because of this, they were separated from God by their sin.

Second, Paul challenges the church in Ephesus by saying in v.20, “But you did not learn Christ in this way.” He reminded them of what they had been taught, and that because they had been saved through Jesus, they were to live differently. They were to “lay aside the old self,” which meant giving up their old ways of life, and they were to “be renewed in the spirit of your mind.” Following Jesus meant changing their thoughts, values, and actions! The Christian life was more than just ‘getting saved’ and going to church; it was, and is, to be a daily endeavor, where those who claim to be “in Christ” routinely change their thoughts and behaviors to those that would fall in line with the biblical teachings they had received.

Over 2,000 years later, nothing has changed! The Christian life is a matter of faith, of course, and is based upon the cleansing work of Jesus in our hearts. After that process occurs as we claim him as Savior, God fully expects us to submit to His instructions, every day and in every way. That is called “discipleship,” and is the way in which God changes us, and forms us into “new creatures in Christ,” and enables us to “be renewed in the spirit of your mind.”

Let me encourage you to follow Jesus, as you receive him into your heart, and, after that, live your life for him. It is the very best thing you can do with your life!

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After a long, high-speed chase early one morning in March of 1991, Rodney King was dragged out of his car and severely beaten by 4 LAPD officers. His beating was a horrendous abuse of police power, and, when the videotape of the beating was made public, it caused massive unrest. Ultimately, there erupted 6 days of rioting when it was announced that the 4 officers who beat Mr. King were all acquitted of their crimes. During these eventful six days, 63 people were killed, and over 2, 300 were injured. In May of 1992, King was interviewed in a press conference, where he was quoted as saying, “People, I just want to say, you know, can we all get along?”

The sad truth was, and is, “No, we cannot all get along.”

Isn’t that a sad testimony against modern man? We can cure diseases, land on the moon, fly all over the world, and carry powerful computers and communication devices in our pockets. Still, we have not yet developed either the ability or the willingness to live in peace with those around us. How tragic!

Jesus addressed a world that was just as violent and dangerous as our modern world, even more so, some might say! In one of his sermons, he said this of the way those who followed him might learn to live. This sermon is in John 13. Hear these words of Jesus: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Vv.34-35 Jesus was talking about how he thought his people, “my disciples,” should act, as they lived to share the saving message of the Gospel.

Jesus was only about 30 years old. Still, in his short time on earth, he had seen more than enough violence, injustice, and suffering to know that mankind had a serious problem. This problem of good relationships influenced almost everyone and contributed to the everyday misery that so many experienced. Jesus knew that people wanted peace in their relationships, but they seemed helpless to live differently. So, Jesus used this fact of humanity to teach one of his most important teachings!

Jesus simply taught, “Love one another.” This love was not an emotion or a ‘warm fuzzy’ feeling; it was a choice to live to get along with others and work at keeping the peace. This could lead to several actions: practicing forgiveness; being patient when others speak or act in certain ways; choosing to be concerned for others' well-being; and even changing one's tone of voice, particularly when there is a disagreement or difference of opinion. “Loving one another” would make every situation better and demonstrate that there is something about you that brings a positive dimension to any situation or relationship. When mentioned, there would be a perfect opportunity to mention the importance of one’s faith in Jesus, and how that faith might help one in the relationships of their life – something in which many might be interested!

Let us all follow Jesus’ teachings to “love one another” and create opportunities to share the life-changing Gospel of Jesus!

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I was talking to a young man at a Christian ministers’ gathering a few weeks ago, and I asked him what position he held in the church where he served. He said he was a “worship leader.” I asked him what he meant, which seemed to throw him off a little bit. He hesitated as he explained his position, and I said, to clear up the discussion, “You mean you’re a musician?” He breathed a sigh of relief, smiled, and then began to talk about his work and background. It was a little awkward, I think, as the term ‘worship leader’ is usually ascribed to the music leader in a church. We had a good discussion, though, and all ended well. He seemed to be a fine young man, and probably does well.

The awkwardness was probably sensed more by me, as one of my pet peeves in the modern church is the oft-stated idea that “worship” is the musical part of a church service. It sounds good, and most people don’t question it, but defining “worship” as “music in a service” is a misguided understanding of the biblical teaching on worship in the Christian life.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the church at Rome, mentioned the practice of worship in the context of Discipleship. He said this, “I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” 12:1-2 You can see from this passage that Paul understood the concept of worship to be the whole of one’s Christian experience; it is something you do, of course, when you gather in a Christian service, but it is, more importantly, a lifestyle that the Christian is to take on as he or she chooses to follow Jesus, every day.

Paul explains what a life of worship entails:

“present your bodies:” When one ‘gives’ their body to God, or ‘presents’ their body to God, it invokes the memory of the old practice of taking an infant to the temple in the Jewish faith, and presenting the child’s body as a ‘gift’ to God. Not only was it a way for the parents to commit to God to raise the child in faith, but it was also a way to birth and nurture the child’s faith and help that child grow in the years to come. When one matures and makes a conscious decision to follow Jesus as Savior, he “presents” his body for service to God; it is a way of saying to God, “I am yours.”

“a living and holy sacrifice:” Again, this refers to the common Jewish practice of making a sacrifice to God, out of love and devotion to Him. In this passage, though, the sacrifice is not a dead animal or grain but the believer’s gift of their time and energies in following Jesus. When you sacrifice your life: your time and energies, abilities, even monies, that is a ‘holy’ gift to God, set aside for his service. This is worship!

“acceptable to God:” A life lived in faithful obedience to God is the ‘gift’ that pleases Him! He is not looking for perfection, of course; he looks for obedience and faith, and the willingness to serve Him, in any and every way. Again, this is part of a ‘life of worship.’

“reasonable service of worship:” The word Paul uses here is literally “logical,” and not just “spiritual.” In other words, after receiving Jesus as Savior and committing one’s life to His service, it is logical and truly spiritual to live for Him! For the believer, a life without faith, service, and self-sacrifice is not spiritual, and it surely makes no sense at all. What you have in Jesus is just that good, and life-changing!

This is just a small part of the biblical discussion of worship, to be sure. Worship is a life of faith-service to God; it entails literally everything you do, as it all “proclaims” the faith that is in you, and brings glory to the God who saved you. Worship Him!

Please, join us in this grand endeavor; People need Jesus!

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The last time they were together, Jesus instructed his disciples, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. “God therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

Just 50 days later, a dramatic event occurred during the Jewish holiday, the “Feast of Weeks,” that set the early Church on an unstoppable trajectory! In that week, there was a tremendous crowd in town, and on the Day of Pentecost, 50 days from the Easter event, the Holy Spirit came upon the crowd of disciples, and they all started speaking in tongues. People could see what looked like ‘tongues of fire’ among the crowd, and, more importantly, among the disciples of Jesus, because speaking to people from all over the world and overcoming the language barrier was no longer a problem! Somehow, the Holy Spirit moved among the crowd. Everyone could understand the disciples as they talked about Jesus, the Christ, and how he had been crucified and resurrected, so that all people might be saved from their sin. This is how the crowd responded, as they were moved to receive the message of Jesus: “So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:41-42

This is how God works through His people! He teaches us, encourages us, leads us to be bold in our proclamations about Jesus, and, most importantly, to live a life that is shaped by the understanding that sharing the Gospel message is what we are to be about. Years later, the Apostle wrote about this very question in his letter to the Church at Colossae. He addressed this need by making two points: One, “Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well, that God may open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak for the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; in order that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.” 4:2-4 He was asking the Church to pray for his mission team, that God might use them to share the Gospel. In the following verses, he said this: “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, that you may know how you should respond to each person.” 4:5-6 Paul encouraged those in the Church to pray and be diligent, both in their Christian life and in the task of sharing the Gospel with those they encountered.

This was God’s plan for the Church! That Christians would learn eternal truths from scripture, pray for those without faith, and live and speak with others so that they might be saved. There were occasional miracles, to be sure, and, once in a while, a dramatic event might be brought about by God’s Spirit. God’s plan for reaching the world was the way of the individual disciple, working through the local Church, sharing the Gospel with their friends and family, and bringing them to faith.

This is God’s plan for you! Live and speak so that others may hear about Jesus, and make their salvation a matter of personal prayer. God can use our normal lives to bring others to faith as we are obedient to his leadership and love and serve others in the name of Jesus.

Please, join us in this grand endeavor; People need Jesus!

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I remember the question I asked my mother one morning, "Do we have to go to church? I was sick of going to church all the time! I had things to do: bikes to ride, pigs in the barnyard to tease, creeks to fish, and brothers and sisters to play with – and here I was, being forced to clean up and dress up, and go to church – again! I was all of 4 years old; my mother was the church pianist in our small, rural Baptist church, and my dad was a Deacon. We went to church all the time – in my young mind, it was a crazy way to mess up a perfectly good Sunday!

I smile now when I think of that morning; I was blessed that my parents were unrelenting in our church attendance. We prayed over our meals at home, we went to church, seemingly "all the time," and, before I knew it, I was in our church's Youth Group in High School, pursuing a cute little brown-eyed cheerleader that eventually became my wife, now of over 46 years. That was fast!

I smile because my parents' insistence on church attendance, "as long as you're living under my roof!" my Father roared, led me to a life I now see as orchestrated by our loving God. I first received Christ as my Savior. That simple decision of my 12-year-old self led to me to follow God's call into ministry; marry that cute little Baptist girl who shared the same values and experiences in the faith; and now, after over 45 years in ministry, have discovered that I have been blessed with wonderful, faithful, daughters and sons-in-law, and grandchildren who are all on the path to faith. I cannot imagine a better life for my family and me!

I have been forced to grow and mature in the faith, not just to lead others in ministry, but to survive what has been, at times, terribly difficult. And because of our shared experiences as a family, my daughters' own families are involved in ministries, serving others, and, even now, are calling me from time to time to ask questions about spiritual matters. We sometimes pray together; we celebrate our faith together, and we share concerns for our nation as 'fellow believers.' Almost without thinking, our choices in life and faith have led us to be "The Church," together as a family. Again, I cannot imagine a better life for me and my family!

We have lived the truth declared in the preaching of every generation since Moses: "God has a plan for your life."

The Prophet Jeremiah, writing to God's people who were living in exile after being conquered by the Babylonians, spoke of "God's Plan." He told them to build their lives, have families, raise them in faith, and seek the welfare of the cities where they lived. He summed up the instructions with the mention of God's plan: "For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

God has a plan for your life, and it is the very best life you can imagine! It will not be perfect or necessarily easy, and there will be challenges and losses, as well as good days and bad. But as you live your life with faith and trust in God's teachings and leadership, you will be able to say, with this old preacher, "I cannot imagine a better life for my family and me!"

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Do you believe in miracles? ✨ This week, Pastor reflects on the supernatural origins of life. He recalls a conversation with his daughter while she was studying biology. Looking at the complexity of the "Krebs Cycle," she was breathless with excitement—not just because she understood the science, but because she saw it as "obvious proof" of God's handiwork. In Luke 2, we see the Shepherds react to the miracle of Jesus' birth. They didn't let logic or doubt stop them; they went "straight to Bethlehem" to see what the Lord had made known to them. The Challenge: If God were to do something outside of a normal event in your life, would you reject it or believe? This Christmas, we invite you to live in faith and trust in the God who works miracles to save us.Simply believe. 🙏 Ways to Give & Connect: 💰 Give here: https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/ 📲 Download our App: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence 👍 Like our Page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/ See you next week!

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Christmas is about Jesus, the "reason for the season," but not everyone responds with joy. In this message, we look at the reaction of King Herod, who became enraged at the thought of a new "King of the Jews" and sought to destroy Him (Matthew 2:16).

Jesus said, "He who is not with me is against me" (Luke 11:23). Herod rejected Christ violently. How will you respond to the Gospel? Will you count the cost, humble yourself, and place your faith in Jesus? The life you can live in Christ is the best life!

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I love Christmas! It is an outrageous celebration, outrageously expensive, and, without a doubt, absolutely distorted from the real ‘reason for the season.’ The truth is, many in America and around the world don’t have a clue about the real reason for this season of celebrations, decorations, donations, and gift-giving! Some think it’s all about the myth of Santa Claus and his sleigh, delivering toys to kids around the world. Others think it’s just a clever marketing strategy by business owners, hoping to sell record numbers of toys, dolls, and children's clothing for children of every age. And, not so surprisingly, there are a faithful number who remember the ‘reason for the season,’ which is, of course, the birth of the Christ Child, Jesus.

Jesus was the prophesied Messiah, who was God’s ‘cure’ for the fatal disease of the sin of humanity. We were created in purity and innocence by the hand of God, and he intended that we would live with him into eternity, in a loving, nurturing relationship. He would bless us and teach us the wonders of the universe, and we would all, literally, “live happily ever after!” Unfortunately, it was not too long before man rejected God’s leadership and chose to disobey God, thus causing a separation between man and God. Mankind was cast out of the Garden of Eden and was destined to live apart from God, struggling for an existence on a now-unfriendly planet. There was nothing man could do to ‘fix’ the problem, no matter how hard he tried. It was over almost as soon as it began! The ways of sin consumed us all, and we as a people have struggled for joy in this life ever since.

But God wasn’t finished with us! In his wisdom, he set in motion a plan to save sinful man: There would come an anointed one, Jesus the Messiah, who would be born through a miraculous conception, by a young woman, Mary, and her husband, Joseph. This special child would grow to live a perfect life and give himself up as the perfect sacrifice for our sin when he was crucified on the cross. This sacrifice would cover the stain of our sin and would, once again, enable all mankind to walk with God. God’s plan was that man might come to him and confess his sin, and turn over the leadership of his life to the God who created us all. In this ‘gift’ of the Messiah, and what came to be called the Salvation of God, He began to work, re-creating man in the image of his son, the Messiah, Jesus. By this process, God would cleanse us of sin, give us a new heart, and create within us the desire and ability to live a new life, which is the old life that God originally planned. This is the “reason for the season;’ which is a truly outrageous gift!

Let me encourage you to celebrate this outrageous season by receiving the wonderful gift of Salvation through the Christ Child, the One who grew to become Jesus, the Savior of the World. God loves you, desires to save you and give you a new life, and uses you to bless those in your life. This is the very best life for you, because it is the life you were created to live!

Your financial support is the backbone of our ministry, providing funding for outreach, facility upkeep, and essential resources. Your generosity fuels our mission and makes a real impact. Give here: https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

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The old country song closes with the words, “Where seldom is heard, a discouraging word, and the skies are not cloudy all day.” Many of you will remember the song “Home on the Range,” written by Daniel Kelley and Dr. Brewster Higley back in the 1940s, which became a classic. It sang of a place in time where everything was good, and the only words one heard were supportive and encouraging. A mythical place, to be sure, but it showed how desperately everyone needs to be encouraged!

It’s been close to 70 years since that song became popular, but it still makes sense to us today. I learned of the need for “an encouraging word” many years ago, during my time at one of my earlier churches, where I served as Pastor. I had begun to complain about everything, almost every day; at some point, my wife merely suggested that we might be better off if I quit complaining all the time! She was right, of course; I needed to hear encouraging words, and I needed to speak encouraging words – my wife needed to listen to them!

Interestingly, the Bible teaches us this very thought: “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29

Here are a few emphases of the larger passage, which contains verse 29:

Encouraging words build others up. “That it may give grace to those who hear.” v.29 People need to be built up by fellow Christians

Encouraging words reflect Christian experience. “Just as God in Christ has forgiven you.” v. 32 Our faith in Jesus gives us the joy of forgiveness and salvation, and a reason for hope in life.

Encouraging words please God. “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit.” v.30 Out of love and respect towards God, we are to speak in ways that will honor God and bring glory to Him. God feels the pain of our sin and depravity!

So here is an obvious way God wants us to relate to others: Let us all speak an encouraging word, seeking the best in life. When we are obedient to God’s teachings in scripture, we build others up, encourage them in the hard times of this life, and serve to give people hope, based upon the truth that God is always at work in every situation. There is a reason to be encouraged!

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Suppose you spend a lot of time watching social media these days. In that case, you will encounter a practice and value system that is leading many to choose paths that promise to make their lives and the lives of those they love more difficult. It’s not hard to understand, but if you’ve grown accustomed to it, it is tough to change. What am I talking about – it is allowing your emotions to determine the course of your life! Let me explain, by telling you a true story from my own life:

I grew up in a small midwestern town, where it seemed like everyone worked on their own cars; changing tires and sparkplugs, oil and air filters, and the like. We would work on our cars over the weekend, and then talk about our experiences all week at school; it was always fun! One week a good friend of mine, who drove a very nice, white, Ford Thunderbird, came in and told us a story that brought down the house with laugher. He had been working on his car, and was replacing some of the old, rusted suspension parts on the front of his car, and there was a large nut that was stuck on a piece of his frontend. This large nut resisted all his efforts to come loose. He banged on it, first with a hammer, and then a sledge hammer; when that didn’t work, he got his dad to light up a torch with a very hot flame, and heated the bolt to loosen it; nothing happened! This went on for a couple of hours, and my friend was getting increasingly frustrated with every minute. He continued to pound and heat and twist the stubborn piece of metal, until finally, it came loose. Except for the fact that it did not come loose – he broke the bolt, which wasn’t a bolt at all – it was a piece of a larger part of the car, and it could not be repaired. What this meant is that the simple and inexpensive repair he had begun, had suddenly turned into a very expensive nightmare. It was going to take another day, and a fairly large sum of money, to get his car drivable; He was furious! This is where the lesson on our emotions comes in. My good friend, who was intelligent and normally ‘under control,’ lost control of his emotions; in a rage, he picked up the large hammer laying next to the car, and beat the front fender of the car into a shredded, crumpled mess! So not only did he still have to fix the suspension, now he had to purchase a new fender, and paint it and put it on the car, before the car would be ready to drive. It was another week before he could drive that prized Thunderbird!

This is just an example of what can happen when we let our emotions get out of control. The details of any situation make no difference. When we allow our frustrations and anger to dictate our actions, we will exacerbate the problem. Christian or not, this truth applies to everyone, regardless of their social status.

At one point, the Apostle Paul wrote about the way our emotions can affect our lives and actions, and provided us with a couple of truths that, when applied, can guide our actions and transform our lives for the better. In Philippians 4, Paul wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice! Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-8 What Paul was saying is that one’s faith in Jesus is more than just concern for salvation; it is also an understanding that, in Christ, one’s way of thinking about life and experiences, and our feelings about those experiences, can be a function of our faith, too!

In our modern culture, there is much talk about one’s emotions and one's mental health. Here is what Paul might add to the discussion:

First, if we can develop a “forbearing spirit,” we can face life’s challenges with patience and self-restraint. We will accept the idea that not everything is a crisis, and we should learn to think through a situation before we act. V.5

Second, if we learn to think through the sources of our anxiety, God can help us calm ourselves and take these things to God in prayer. He can also enable us to see past our current distress. V.6

Finally, when we learn to look for the good in situations and focus our thoughts and energies on those elements of life, God is allowed to work. Additionally, He may help us see that, even in a crisis, there are blessings to be experienced, and that He may be at work in ways we do not expect. Vs 4, 8

God can help you in your daily life! When we learn to trust Him to work in our daily lives, He can help us clear our minds, calm our spirits, and approach the challenges we face with faith and hope. Trust Him!

Let me encourage you to place a high value on the important relationships in your life. Love more freely; forgive often; and, as much as is within you, act in a way that shows these people that you value your relationship with them. Finally, nurture these important relationships over the long term, so that at some point you might be able to lead them to a saving faith in Jesus.

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Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to this journey with you—see you next week!

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When I was in college, studying to become a minister, I came across a Bible tract titled something along these lines: “How to witness for the wrong side.” In the picture was a smiling, John Denver look-alike young man, casually dressed. He had the word “Jesus” in large letters across the front of his exaggerated cowboy hat; additionally, there were Bible Tracts in his hands, and falling out of his pockets, with all sorts of snarky comments about non-believers, and even obvious insults aimed at those of various political positions that were considered ‘unchristian,’ by many in the Church.

The point was clear – When Christians try to proclaim the Gospel message to the world, they need to be sure they are proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus, instead of insulting comments on political issues, or words that have almost nothing to do with the Gospel message!

This true story brings me to ask a question: As a believer, does your life proclaim the Gospel of Jesus? Are you sure you understand what is, and is not, the Gospel message? And, finally, how does the Gospel message affect one’s life when it is truly accepted into one’s heart?

There is a story in the Bible regarding a “true believer” of the Jewish faith, who, out of religious zeal, had begun to persecute members of the Church. The man was a Pharisee named Saul, who was walking towards the city of Damascus to seek out and persecute Christians. Here is where the story picks up: “And it came about that as he journeyed, he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; and he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? And he said, “Who art Thou, Lord?” and he said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, but rise, and enter the city, and it shall be told you what you must do.” Acts 9:3-6. Those with Saul took him to Damascus, where God led one named Ananias to explain the Gospel message to him and show him the path to life with God. The ‘rest of the story,’ of course, is that of Saul receiving Christ, becoming a traveling evangelist for Jesus, and writing much of what became the New Testament!

One of the most interesting elements of this story is that Saul, who later became known as Paul (the Roman version of his name), was an active Pharisee in the Jewish faith. He believed in God, and he fought for what he thought was the true faith – but the true faith included Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law. He didn’t understand that he had been proclaiming and defending what was now the ‘wrong’ faith; the true faith was now Judaism, as fulfilled through Jesus! Saul, before his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, was a witness for the wrong faith, because it was a faith that was not centered on the message of salvation through Jesus.

Here’s what we can learn from Saul’s experiences:

Let us make sure we correctly understand what the Gospel is that we have been given to proclaim! The Gospel we have been given is the message that Jesus, Son of God, God in the flesh, came and lived a sinless life, died on the cross to pay for our sin, and was risen from the dead to show God’s power over death. Then he ascended into heaven, to be seated with God on the throne of heaven, to reign over all things forever. Salvation comes when we believe the truths of the Gospel and receive Jesus as our Savior, committing our lives to Him. The Gospel is not an opinion one might have on abortion, immigration, or any other political or social topic – it is the message of salvation in Jesus! It is acceptable to express an opinion on any topic, of course, but if the goal is to proclaim the Gospel and lead people to Jesus, then they must focus on the truth of the Gospel and not on one’s opinions concerning the social issues of the day.
To live as a Christ-follower involves a change in the direction of our lives! In the story of Saul, you will later learn that he took his Roman name, Paul, because he knew he would be more effective in reaching the Roman Gentiles if he carried it rather than the Jewish name Saul. This was a huge concession for Paul to make! In his Jewish tradition, one’s name was a sacred gift; to change it meant that, for Paul, his life of proclaiming the Gospel had taken a major change in direction and purpose. When you accept the responsibility of proclaiming the message of Jesus, you must consider what can help you be more effective in that task. Perhaps you might work on your social skills, or even ‘bone up’ on ways to share the message of Jesus effectively. Or, you might begin to focus on the needs of those around you, instead of judging those who have fallen in their lives. Regardless, Paul demonstrated the genuine commitment required to lead others to Jesus.

Let me encourage you to follow the example of Paul and choose to share the message of Jesus with others.

Your support is invaluable in spreading our ministry. By sharing our videos, you help build a strong community of believers. We appreciate your contributions and encourage you to inspire others to join our mission. Your involvement keeps our community connected and thriving.

Your financial support is the backbone of our ministry, providing funding for outreach, facility upkeep, and essential resources. Your generosity fuels our mission, making a real impact. Give here: https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

Stay updated by downloading our App: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or liking our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms keep you engaged and connected.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to this journey with you—see you next week!

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Over the last few years, I’ve watched one of my granddaughters develop into a competitive distance runner – her races are often very exciting! Just as interesting to me, though, is how she ‘follows’ one of her coaches. This young woman, a gifted runner herself, is careful to guide my granddaughter in developing effective strategies for running long distances, as well as teaching her specific approaches to exercise, managing injuries, and breathing during extreme exertion. It is incredible to consider the significant impact this coach has on both the running experience and the personal lives of my granddaughter, as well as the other kids on the team.

In a very real way, my granddaughter is becoming a ‘disciple’ of this young coach. Fortunately for my family, this coach is a fine, Christian woman who leads in her church and lives a committed Christian life.

Interestingly, this is much how one’s Christian faith is worked out as we decide to become' disciples’ of Jesus. As we place our faith in Him and submit to His leadership and teachings, He influences almost every aspect of our lives.

In one passage, a crowd had gathered around Jesus to hear him teach; some were interested in becoming ‘disciples’ of Jesus. A question was asked of him, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus’ answer was insightful and clear: “You shall love the Lord Your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.‘ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:36-40 Jesus had taught them what it was to live as his ‘disciple!’

Jesus' words were based on quotations of two Old Testament passages, which were the ‘bedrock’ teachings of the Jewish faith. These teachings were life teachings that would lead one in the ways of God and could guide us in this life, preparing us for the life to come.

“Love God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the greatest commandment, as it is foundational for all the Jewish and Christian faith teachings. Loving God was more than emotional; it involved one’s feelings and passions, to be sure, but it also would lead one to commit oneself to learning the ways of God, and living in a way that would please God, and invite him into one’s life. When mature, this love for God would be absolute and steadfast, adding a profound sense of strength and stability to one’s life.

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Here, Jesus made it clear that living as his disciple involved more than just religious belief; he also expected our faith to impact how we interact with others profoundly. To love another as oneself meant to be sincerely concerned for the well-being of others; too, it means that you would treat others as you would like to be treated – an idea that came to be called “the golden rule.” Apathy towards the sufferings of others, and hatred and rejection of those of different social or ethnic groups, simply had no place in the life of a disciple of Jesus!

When applied to our lives and relationships, these teachings will lead us to a life that is quite different from what is commonly seen on this earth. This is exactly as Jesus intended, as it will lead others to know the value of living as a disciple of Jesus and may even draw them into the faith.

May we all follow Jesus and live as his disciples!

Your support is invaluable in spreading our ministry. By sharing our podcasts, you help build a strong community of believers. We appreciate your contributions and encourage you to inspire others to join our mission. Your involvement keeps our community connected and thriving.

Stay updated by downloading our App: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or liking our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms keep you engaged and connected.

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I recently read an article in a Christian publication featuring a young woman in her 20s with a bright smile and confident presence. Expecting a testimony of faith, I was surprised to learn she was a successful porn star, earning over $40 million in just two years. Despite her profession, she claimed a strong Christian faith, saying, “I have a close relationship with my church, and I love God. I believe He will forgive your sins for anything, and I think He’s happy that I’m successful.”

She acknowledged that her work may be sinful but seemed to rely on the idea that God’s forgiveness was automatic. She also claimed to live a moral life, stating that having morals is essential to survive in the industry. This raises serious questions about how we define morality and how we apply God’s Word in our lives.

The Bible teaches that our faith must be genuine and lived out through obedience, not just words. Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13–16). Our lives should reflect Christ and draw others to Him—not cause confusion about what it means to follow Him.

Depending on grace while planning to continue in sin is a dangerous spiritual mindset. God calls us to repentance, not selective obedience. True faith involves surrendering our whole lives—not just the parts we’re comfortable giving up.

This story reminds us that how we live matters. People around us are watching, and they need to see real faith in action. Our culture is saturated with compromise, but we are called to live set-apart lives rooted in the truth of Scripture.

This week, think about your witness. Are you reflecting Christ in a way that leads others toward Him? Are you serious about the spiritual and moral leadership our world so desperately needs?

Let your life be salt and light. Someone near you may come to know Jesus because of your example.

Your support is invaluable in spreading our ministry. By sharing our podcasts, you help build a strong community of believers.

We appreciate your contributions and encourage you to inspire others to join our mission. Your involvement keeps our community connected and thriving. Your financial support is the backbone of our ministry, providing funding for outreach, facility upkeep, and essential resources. Your generosity fuels our mission, making a real impact. Give here: https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

Stay updated by downloading our App: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or liking our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms keep you engaged and connected.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to this journey with you—see you next week!

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What does it truly mean to be the Church? This week, we explore our calling to Go into the world with purpose, Love like Jesus with compassion, and Belong as one united Body of Christ. Whether in our workplaces, neighborhoods, or everyday routines, God is sending us to make a difference. Let’s step into the mission together!

Stay updated by downloading our App: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or liking our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms keep you engaged and connected.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to this journey with you—see you next week!

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When I was a student back in ‘Preacher School,” I was having a difficult time in one of my classes, which dealt with interpreting the Old Testament. I didn’t like what the teacher was teaching. I disagreed with his interpretation of a great story from the days of the Hebrew people before Jesus. At one point in his lecture, the teacher stopped and asked for questions; I immediately shot up my hand! He called on me, and I said, a little too aggressively, that I disagreed with what he had said about the story. This started a very difficult discussion in front of the class that taught me a lesson I have used almost weekly in my 45 years as a Pastor.

My professor was very kind and said, “Ok, Mr. Payne. Tell me your thoughts about our story and why you disagree with what I’ve said. I did so as well as I could. Even though I had held to my beliefs for some time, they had never been ‘tested.’ As the words came out of my mouth, I realized that my answer didn’t seem to make as much sense as before my involvement in this class. (This upper-level class taught us to read and interpret the Old Testament in the original Hebrew language). When I finished, the teacher, still kind and patient with me, began to ask me a series of questions. For instance: “What are the words in the Bible that have led you to reject my interpretation?” Following my answer, another question: “Knowing what you know from our studies in Hebrew, is your interpretation supported by the text?” We had quite a discussion, and he continued to lead me through a thought process that revealed that not only was I wrong in my interpretation, but what I held to be true was completely distorting the passage's meaning!

This experience changed my life! The fact that I embarrassed myself in front of the class was bad enough, but that was an easy lesson. The greater lesson that affects me today is that if my beliefs and interpretations contradict the scriptures, I am wrong! As my professor said, pay attention to what the Bible says and what the Bible does not say.’

Many of you who are reading this article may have had experiences in life with similar effects. In the Bible, we can read that John the Apostle had many! For instance, at one point in Mark 5, Jesus raised from the dead a young girl, the child of a Roman soldier. They had argued with Jesus over this because they thought it was too late; also, they were probably resistant to helping a Roman soldier whom they saw as their enemy. Jesus’ actions and kindness to the soldier and the raising of the girl from the dead challenged their understanding of life and death. They taught them that even a Roman soldier’s family was worthy of God’s love. This was one of Jesus’ methods by which he taught his disciples how to live and minister in his name. The disciples who witnessed this miracle were forever changed – their beliefs and practices concerning ministering to people and offering God’s love to them were forever altered!

The point of this whole message is that when we follow Jesus and cling to our faith in him, He will change our lives over time! He will teach, correct, and mature us in the faith. The goal is for us to live our lives so that He might use us in ministry to a world that desperately needs what only Jesus can give!

Here’s a passage that can help us in our journey:

“If then you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not the things on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”

Colossians 3:1-3

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One of my friends from my early years in school was a red-headed boy named Mike. Mike and I were pretty good friends, and we got along well – no arguments or fussing, as far as I can remember. My family was relatively mild in behavior. Dad was a Deacon in our church, and my mother was the church organist. Still, Mike's family was different than mine! His dad was a known 'fighter' in our small community and had several run-ins with the local police. He was nice enough, but would grow violent quickly when tensions or disagreements arose. This trait was passed down to Mike's older brother, who often got into fights after school! As he got older, he had trouble in school because of his temper and violent tendencies. He dropped out before graduating. Mike was a little gentler and slower to anger than his family. Still, he, too, developed a tendency towards violence and fighting with kids after school. Eventually, we drifted away from each other, as our learned behaviors led us in different directions in life. His family influenced him in one direction, and my family influenced me in another direction.

That is a lesson we've all learned. If you teach your children to be violent and belligerent, they will turn out that way; if you teach your children to be peaceful and work together, that is the type of life they will choose. Of course, there are exceptions to that rule, but generally speaking, that is how it is!

Interestingly, this is precisely what the scriptures teach. The book of Genesis contains a story of Jacob, whose parents taught him to live in a particular way. His name means ‘suppla't'e', which means he would ‘take t'e 'l'ce’ of another, through deceit and trickery. Mom and Dad were good people, but Jacob, a moment-younger twin, was their favorite. They did not teach him good behavior, but instead spoiled him. As the boys aged, this behavior began to have serious implications. For instance, one day, the older twin, Jacob, came in from a long hunt, starving! Jacob had cooked a big pot of stew and worked out a trade with his brother: He would give Esau a bowl of hot stew, for the ‘birthright', that the 'older brother would receive at the appropriate time. Esau, in a fit of hunger and not thinking, agreed, thinking that the birthright was worthless if he were to die of hunger. Jacob worked a scheme on his older brother to get something for something for nothing.’ The steak was inexpensive, of course. Still, the birthright of a firstborn of a wealthy man such as their father, Isaac, was of profound value! There would come a time when Esau would realize what Jacob had done, but it would be too late.

Another time, Jacob's brother, when their father was near death. Isaac called Esau to bring him a final meal, and he would give his ‘blessing’ to him. 'This was the firstborn Isaac's sce sce! Jacob’s mother overheard the conversation and devised a scheme for her favorite son, Jacob, to receive the blessing. He dressed up and acted in a way that deceived Isaac, who gave him the blessing. When Esau discovered the deception, he was furious. He swore he would someday kill his brother!

Jacob received Esau’s inheritance and fled his homeland to escape Esau. He lived in fear and shame for many years because of the way he had received the blessings from his father and tricked his brother. Finally, years later, they were able to make amends. They both lived long and good lives. Jacob’s life was always troubled because he had followed the deceitful ways of his mother.

There is no better example of "We reap what we sow." Indeed, "Jacob's is spoken of to this day and teaches us the consequences of sinful behavior.

This is how the New Testament explains the principle: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, he will reap. For the one who sows to his flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit shall from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.” Galatians 6:7-9

Let me encourage you to rise above any bad teachings or behaviors you may have picked up over the years! Treat people well, and with grace. Watch your tongue. And, always, live in a way that honors the Christ who saved you.

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People's past experiences often prepare them for meaningful roles—like George Washington's background as a surveyor preparing him to lead in battle. Similarly, biblical figures like Abraham were uniquely shaped by their lives to fulfill God's purposes.

Abraham's story is a prime example of obedient faith. At 75 years old, seemingly out of nowhere, God called him to leave his home and everything familiar to go to a new land. Abraham responded with trust and immediate obedience, even though the call was disruptive and demanding. His willingness to follow God's lead—despite age, uncertainty, and sacrifice—made him the father of a nation.

God Calls Us to Obedient Faith: Abraham's immediate response to God's command (Genesis 12:4) shows that faithful obedience is not about age or circumstances, but about trust. Obeying God may mean making difficult decisions and stepping away from comfort and familiarity.

When We Trust God, He Can Use and Bless Us: God promised Abraham a great nation, and though challenges arose, God remained faithful. The blessings often come in unexpected ways and at unexpected times, but God's promises are sure. Abraham's legacy continues through Israel and ultimately through Christ.

Disobedience Has Consequences: Abraham's choices—like going to Egypt during famine or fathering Ishmael through Hagar—had lasting implications. This reminds us that even well-meaning deviations from God's plan can have ripple effects.

Faithful obedience Leads to Impact: Abraham's faith journey not only shaped his life but also the course of history. His obedience led to a spiritual lineage that includes Jesus Christ and extends to all believers.

Until his calling, Abraham lived a quiet, perhaps even unremarkable life. But God used him in powerful ways because of his faith and obedience. His story encourages us to listen for God's call, trust in His promises, and step out in faith—no matter where we are in life.

"Christ redeemed us… so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles…" – Galatians 3:13–14

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Some time ago, I stumbled upon a video produced by a Christian organization about Easter. Rather than a serious-minded drama depicting Jesus on the cross, or Roman soldiers mocking Jesus and gambling for his garment as he hung in the background, it was something very different! A very creative teacher had instructed a group of elementary-age children to write their version of the Easter weekend events, which they had been studying in class for some time. Along with the story they told, they also drew pictures of Jesus talking to his disciples, standing in front of the crowd as they yelled, "Crucify him, crucify him!" After that, they told of Jesus appearing to his followers after the resurrection. It was entertaining and funny, all the while presenting a simple presentation of the gospel message. First, they talked about how Jesus loved his people and walked around talking to them, and helping them. He healed some and fed others but always said to them, "I love you," and "God loves you." The people responded with delight that God loved them and cheered when Jesus said that He loved them, and would save them. Another theme was the fact that Jesus was going to wash away their sin by dying on the cross. The video didn't deal with the complexities of sin, forgiveness, and regeneration, which are 'preacher terms;' instead, Jesus told them he would cleanse them of their sin, and help them to experience God at work in their lives. If those in the crowd would simply believe in Jesus as Savior, and ask him to come into their hearts, he would save them, and help them every day. Finally, the video pictures Jesus appearing to the disciples on the beach after the resurrection; people hugged him and sang songs, and all had big smiles. Jesus has come back from the grave! This was an obvious act of God and was His way of proving that Jesus was his son and that the crucifixion and resurrection were God's way of saving us all from our sins. This all came from the mouths of children! They didn't use many religious terms or try to 'guilt' anyone to go to church or give an offering. These children "got it:" They presented the message of the Gospel: God loves us and sent Jesus to save us. And, when we ask him to save us, he washes away our sins and helps us to live better lives. Pretty good work for a bunch of kids, eh? This is what Easter is all about! Jesus, God's Son, was crucified on the cross, buried, and then came back from the dead. When we receive these truths into our lives, Jesus saves us, transforms us, and begins to bless us, forever. Amen! Your support is invaluable in spreading our ministry's message. By sharing our podcasts, you help build a strong community of believers. We appreciate your contributions and encourage you to inspire others to join our mission. Your involvement keeps our community connected and thriving. Your financial support is the backbone of our ministry, funding outreach, facility upkeep, and resources. Your generosity fuels our mission, making a real impact. Give here: https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/ Stay updated by downloading our App: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or liking our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms keep you engaged and connected. Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to this journey with you—see you next week!

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Have you ever considered the question, "What is God's will for my life?" That is a serious question! When I was in college at a Christian school, this was the 'hot topic' for many of the sermons we heard during group Chapel. Preachers would talk loud and long about how important it was to find and live out God's will for our lives. There were formulas for success; some made sense, and others seemed silly and even simplistic. The whole idea was that God's will was some 'plan for our lives,' giving purpose to our existence, leading us to the right job or career, and even to the correct made. The idea that if we followed God's will for our lives, He would bless us and make us happy, and we would have a good life was also always part of the sermon. Finding and following God's will was essential for the person of faith!

By the time of the crucifixion, Jesus was very concerned about God's will for his life! He loved God, wanted to please God, and knew God had a 'plan' for his life. So, he spent much time in prayer and study of the scriptures and served others in need, all in the belief that these were the actions of God. For Jesus, the will of God was a steady march to the cross, that he might be the sacrifice for the sins of all humanity. Jesus, somewhere along the way, had discerned God's will for him: He would live a life totally devoted to God, without sin. He would be arrested and tried in court, beaten, scourged, and mocked by the crowds. Finally, he would be crucified as a criminal and, on the cross, bear the cost of all our sins. He would be the Messiah, the promised savior!

Here are a few of his final words that show us that his end on the cross was an act of faith and fully a part of God's plan for him: Just a couple of minutes before he breathed his last, the scriptures record: "A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth. When Jesus received the sour wine, He said, 'It is finished!' And He bowed His head, and gave up His spirit."

God's will for Jesus was a call to obedience, self-sacrifice, and suffering.

Here are a couple of great truths that might help us in our lives as we seek and find God's will for our own lives:

First, God's will may not always be easy or enjoyable! God may call us to endure difficult circumstances and suffer in some way. It may be to complete an unpleasant task or be in the presence of people you do not like. We must remind ourselves that the purpose of God's will is to obey his leadership and complete the task to which we are called. God's will is not the pursuit of happiness; rather, it is to fulfill God's plan for us; our happiness or fulfillment is merely the result of living out God's will!

Another truth is that when we follow God's will, our lives are given a greater purpose than just the concerns of our small circle. God is concerned with the timeless, eternal values taught in scripture and how humanity is affected when people live by them. When we live out God's will, the spiritual truths in the scriptures come to life: lives are saved, cultures are influenced for good, and God is glorified. It can be a truly miraculous event when God's will is fulfilled!

Your best life is experienced when you seek out, find, and live God's will. It is found as you seek Him in your life and trust what He teaches you in the scriptures!

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In one of His final moments on the cross, Jesus speaks powerful words found in John 19:26-27—words that show His deep love, compassion, and purpose. Join us as we explore how Jesus remembered His mother, cared for her, and honored her, even in His suffering. Through this act, He not only fulfilled His duty as a son but also revealed the heart of God and invited us into a greater spiritual family. This is a message of love, connection, and invitation—one that still speaks to us today.

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I grew up in a large family, where I was number 5 out of 6; the youngest was my little sister, a pretty, quiet little blonde who went through a several-year period of frailty and illness, which she eventually outgrew. Interestingly, due to her physical condition, she lived with a persistent, irrational fear that our parents were going to die and leave our family without anyone to care for us. She would cling to our mother, day after day, worrying about mom dying and leaving her; she was beside herself! Fortunately, everyone stayed healthy, and she grew up to become strong and outgoing and lived a confident and happy life.

I've often thought about her concern for our parents' premature deaths. What was going on with her? Why was she so afraid? And, to be sure, don't many of us live with some nagging fears in the back of our minds that someone might die prematurely?

One of the greatest gifts that God has given us through Jesus, in addition to the gift of salvation through the Gospel message, is the conviction that when we die, God will take care of us! This is a gift that literally 'keeps on giving,' as all of us face the possibility of death every day of our lives, even when we don't think about it!

Here is one of the passages in the Bible upon which this conviction is based: The scene is focused on Jesus hanging on the cross hours before his death. People are mocking Jesus and taunting him, as is another thief hanging on an adjacent cross. He says to Jesus, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!" In response, a different thief, hanging on another cross, says to him, "Do you not even fear God since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? "And we indeed justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong." And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!" Here is Jesus' response to the thief who asked him for help, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise." Luke 23:39-43

That is one of the clearest passages in the Bible which speaks of the Christian belief in life after death, "Today, you shall be with me." Jesus, nearing his own death, not only comforts another facing his own mortality, he offers us all lasting words, solace, and hope as we consider our own deaths!

We are aware that we shall die at some point in the future, as will everyone! Because of the unknown concerning death, there is an almost unlimited fear and discomfort with this truth, and literally hundreds of differing religious and philosophical notions that deal with the question of "what happens when I die?" But this one passage, spoken by The One whom we believe to be the Son of God, with power, answers clearly, without any details, *"Today, you shall be with me in Paradise." *

The unnamed 'thief on the cross' could face his own death without fear simply because he had expressed his faith in Jesus! He didn't have all the details, to be sure, but Jesus said he would never be alone. Too, Jesus' words communicated no delays or complicated timelines: he would be in paradise "today." And finally, the word paradise conveys an image of a place of peace, rest, and joy. For those with faith in Jesus, life after death will be an eternal gift from God, based on God's love expressed through Jesus on the cross. We do not have to 'earn' this gift; we merely receive it by faith, as did the thief on the cross.

Won't you receive Jesus' offer of eternal life today? Trust in him, and live forever!

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I recently read through an online discussion regarding God's forgiveness. The format was simple: The question posed was: According to Christianity, will criminals like rapists, serial killers, and school shooters go to Heaven if they ask God for forgiveness before dying?" Predictably, the answers and opinions varied widely!

Here are a few examples of the hundreds of responses given:

"If someone sincerely repents of their sins, they are forgiven."

"Asking for forgiveness" isn't enough; they must repent in their heart – their core, and be changed. God sees through BS. But yes, they can change."

"Yeah, but it's not that simple."

Many more posted a 'traditional' approach to forgiveness – "If you confess your sins to God and repent, you will be forgiven." At the same time, though, some gave the opposite response:

"It sounds like the opposite of justice to give rapists and murderers and get out of jail free care, yet good people who don't believe in God will be tortured for eternity in hell. This is not good, moral, or justice."

"I hope not."

"Absolutely no criminals deserve to see Satan forever that is a terrible falsehood."

It is obvious from these responses that, for many people, their ideas of forgiveness are based upon their emotions or reactions to another's actions instead of biblical teaching! Importantly, the Bible teaches us the eternal truths of God, especially regarding the correct understanding of forgiveness. Here is just one passage from the words of Jesus that should be allowed to influence the common understanding of forgiveness: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Luke 23:34 Jesus said these words as he hung on the cross, not long before his death. Jesus had been lied about, arrested and beaten, and now nailed to the cross, a reputed 'criminal'! But as he hung there, his lifeblood draining out of him, he prayed to God that those involved would be forgiven. This simple prayer, "Father, forgive them," can give us profound insight into the forgiveness that comes from God.

First, the forgiveness that comes from God is based upon God's character. The Bible teaches us that "God is love," and Jesus offering forgiveness to those who hung him on the cross demonstrates the type of selfless, "agape" love from God. It is more than mere emotion; it is a commitment to another's well-being.

Another truth from these words of Jesus is that God's love is unlimited and retroactive. Jesus prayed for God to forgive them all, regardless of their situation. They were unrepentant, some were Jews, and others were Romans, but it did not matter – Jesus prayed for all of them, no questions asked!

Finally, God's forgiveness is forever; as the Psalmist said, "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us." 103:12

God loves us and has directed Jesus to deliver a message of absolute forgiveness to all humanity; this is the reason for the message of the cross! God loves us, Jesus prays for us, and as we respond to his offer of salvation, he forgives us and cleanses us from sin.

Let me encourage you to follow Jesus and receive the forgiveness that comes from God; you can be made new and start over in this life!

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I often think of one of my favorite hymns, that goes like this:

What can wash away my sin?" with a refrain, "Nothing but the blood of Jesus."

The song is simple yet profound in its meaning—the blood of Jesus, shed on the cross, is God's way of washing away the guilt and stain of sin in our lives!

In one of the Apostle Paul's letters to the church at Corinth, he spoke on the issue of the blood of Jesus. Here is some of what he said:

18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise And the understanding of those who have understanding, I will confound."

20 Where is the wise person? Here is the scribe. Here is the debater of this age: as God did not make foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block, and to Gentiles foolishness, 24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Paul explained that the wisdom of God, as manifested through the Cross of Christ, was a "stumbling block" to the Jews, and the Gentiles as well. On the cross, Jesus, the Son of God, shed his blood for us. Through his death and resurrection, God worked to cleanse us of the guilt of sin, pay the penalty of the sin of humanity, and, finally, conquer death for us all. This is the Gospel message! It is all based upon the work of Jesus on the cross; His blood, shed for us on the cross, is God's plan to save humanity.

The Jews resist this message, because it means that their religious experiences and rituals, and their lineage as the 'people of God,' cannot save them. Too, the Gentiles rebel against the message of the cross, because the wisdom of this world, and the accomplishments of man, cannot separate them from the guilt of their sin. Only the message of the cross can save anyone!

Modern man has a problem when confronted with talk of the "blood of Jesus;" that sort of talk seems so outdated and barbaric! However, this is the wisdom of God that guides us, invites God's power to work in our lives, and enables us to live in a relationship with God, both now and in the life that is to come.

Here is another passage from the Apostle Paul, this time from his letter to the church at Rome. "But God demonstrates his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. Romans 5:8-9

Let us all accept this wisdom that is from God, and live!

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It is sometimes hard to follow Jesus!

In the book of Acts in the Bible, we find a record of events in the early Church. One story, found in chapter 16, tells of an episode in the life of Paul the Apostle and his associate Silas. These two preachers of the Gospel were traveling through the city of Philippi, and they were being followed by a group of men who 'owned' a slave girl who had a spirit of divination. This young girl followed Paul and Silas for days, shouting to anyone who would hear, "These men are bondservants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation." At first, this did not cause a problem. Still, she was so insistent and intrusive that Paul finally stopped her and cast out the Spirit of divination, driving her to speak. Her owners were enraged, of course, because their slave girl could no longer service and entertain the crowds that she gathered, which had been bringing in quite a bit of income. The girl's owner got the law involved, and Paul and Silas were arrested, beaten, and thrown into prison.

Later that night, around midnight, Paul and Silas were singing hymns and shouting praise to God, worshiping Him. The other prisoners were enjoying the music, and in the middle of this impromptu 'concert,' the ground began shaking, the jail walls trembled, the shackles fell off their bodies, and the jail cell door came open. The jailer was roused from his sleep and, when he saw that the prisoners were free, took up his sword to kill himself. (The penalty for failure in the Roman army was death!) Paul cried out to him, "Do yourself no harm, for we are all here!" The jailer rushed in with a lantern, fell at their feet, and, seeing them free and standing, spoke these eternal words, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" The answer to his question was simple and life-changing: "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, you and your household." 16:31 The jailer took them to his house to meet his family, and they all received the Gospel and became baptized believers in the Church!

This story exposes us to a few of the tremendous truths of God's message of salvation in Jesus:

First, God wants everyone to be saved! Paul and Silas were on a mission to spread the Gospel message to anyone who would listen, Jew and Gentile alike. God loves everyone and can save anyone who might call upon Jesus for forgiveness and salvation. Another truth is simple: Any follower of Jesus can lead others to know Christ as Savior. Paul was not a "priest" in the formal sense of the word; he was merely a believer in Jesus and could lead the jailer and his family to faith. Another truth that might not be so welcomed is that following Jesus may bring hardship and suffering into one's life! Paul and Silas simply preached a message of love and forgiveness. They led the jailer and his family to know Christ as Savior. However, those in power stood against the Gospel message and beat and imprisoned them both. God delivered them, to be sure, but this was not a pleasant experience for these two preachers!

This story from Acts 16 is one of many in the Bible that explains Jesus' life-saving message. Jesus came and lived, died, and lived again for everyone. Like the jailer, we can be saved by inviting Jesus into our hearts and committing our lives to follow him. Let me encourage you to follow Him today!

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Several years ago, I was getting ready to attend a musical concert at the church where I served as pastor; I and many others were really looking forward to it, as we got a famous guitarist to come and perform, along with his band. It was going to be a great night! Unfortunately, our older building had other plans….

About an hour before the concert started, I got a call from our custodian; our sewer line had blocked up, and our basement was filling with sewage! I thought about canceling the concert, but I knew that many would be disappointed, so I made an executive decision: I would call a group of men in the congregation to help me did up and repair the pipe in the dark while the concert was going on in our main building! I was able to get 8 or 9 men to agree to bring their picks and shovels and help me repair, and we would start just as soon as we could; hopefully, we would be finished before too late in the evening, and the building would be ready for our services the following day. (It was, of course, Saturday night!)

We arrived just before dusk, and it was apparent, as we began to process of finding the stoppage in the pipe, that darkness was coming soon. We decided to circle our pickups around the site and dig by the light of our headlights. We moved our trucks and began to dig. At first, there were complaints and a few grumbles. Then something happened – people started telling stories of similar problems in their homes, a few sewer-related jokes were told, and we all began talking and laughing – we were having a good time! We dug a large hole, tore out, and replaced a section of the old pipe leading to our septic system (a rural site). Before 10:30 p.m. or so, we were filling in the hole and ended up standing around for a few minutes, talking about the good times we'd had working together. I thanked them all for their gifts of time, energy, and hard work, led them in a short prayer of thanksgiving, and we all went home, tired and dirty, to be sure, but affirmed in our faith and in the task we'd done for God's church. To this day, it is still one of my fonder memories of ministry!

The reason the event meant so much to me and the others there that night was that we were united – we didn't fuss over church business or politics, and the personality differences that often messed up our fellowship were simply ignored – the task at hand, and the demonstration of faith that those men made that night, united us in a way that we talked about for some time. One man, who seldom said anything positive, even commented, "This is one of the best times I've had at church in a long time." We all laughed out loud when he said that!

The story expresses the idea that when people give up their time, money, or efforts, they are stronger as a group, they can get things done, and their relationships are better. Giving makes us better!

This is a very scriptural lesson when you think about it. In his first letter, John wrote a sentence he repeated twice: "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." I John 4:11 Later, he wrote, "We love because He first loved us." I John 4:19, God's love for us was best expressed through the gift of his son, Jesus! He came and lived and sacrificed his life for us all, that he might save us from sin and give us eternal life. Based on that gift, God desired that we follow His lead and love each other. In other words, because we had received the greatest gift from God, He wanted us to 'return the favor' by loving others. God loved, and so He gave, and He wants us to do the same!

Let me encourage you to receive the gift of life God has offered in his son, Jesus. And, as an act of faith and obedience, give a gift of love, help, and service to others. Giving will make you better!

Your support is invaluable in spreading the message of our ministry. By sharing our podcasts with your friends and family, you play a significant role in building a community of believers who find strength in our shared faith. We sincerely appreciate your contributions and urge you to inspire others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is significant and integral to our ministry's success, helping to keep our community connected and thriving.

Your financial contributions are the backbone of our ministry. They enable us to run outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. Your generosity is a testament to your commitment to our mission, and we deeply value your role in making this ministry a reality. Your contributions are used with transparency and accountability, making a real difference in the lives of those we serve. You can contribute here https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

To stay updated on all things FBC, download our App here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms are not just for information but also engagement. They are a great way to connect with our community, support our mission, and be part of our journey.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!

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I recently heard a story of a young couple who began to feel that their well-funded, organized, all-American lifestyle was starting to feel empty and meaningless. So, they decided to have children, which ultimately didn't work out, as they could not conceive. The next step for them was taking care of foster children and then adopting a couple of their foster kids. Along the way of working in the foster care system, though, they recognized an ongoing problem: most of the young, single mothers who were losing their kids to foster care did not have the ability or resources to do anything for themselves and improve their lives. They began to form a plan for how they might affect a change to this problem.

The couple came up with an idea: they would open their home to the foster system, but instead of just taking in a child with an at-risk mother, they would bring the mother, with her child, into their home for the long term! They would nurture and care for the child and nurture, support, and train the young mother to care for her own child. This was an intrusive, complicated, expensive, and life-changing decision on their part – and they were convinced this was what God was calling them to do!

Their experience with the young mother they 'adopted' and the mother's baby was heartwarming. It was busy and expensive, of course, and interrupted their home life more than they could have imagined. But the positive results were priceless. They formed a forever bond with the young mother and her child and helped her navigate young motherhood. Too, when the young mother began to respond to their nurture and instruction, she grew and matured and took on characteristics that would benefit her and her child for the rest of their lives. Another thing: the young couple performing this 'ministry' to a young family were growing in their faith due to how God worked through their efforts and prayers. As the mother said, she spoke of how she felt God's presence in her life, "I'm just loving him more and more each day."

What a lesson in real-life ministry! When people give of themselves in ministry, they benefit those they serve and grow in their faith as they serve others, open their lives to those in need, and trust in God for strength and guidance. This is precisely what the Bible teaches!

In the book of I Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul speaks of how God had worked in these very ways. The Christians in Philippi had given to his ministry, and when Paul worked in the distant city of Thessalonica, peoples' needs were met, they were nurtured in their faith, and those who worked the ministry were blessed. Paul wrote this, first in Philippians 4: 15-16, "And you also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica, you sent a gift more than once for my needs." Paul here commends the Philippian Christians for their giving to his missionary efforts in Thessalonica. Later, in his letter to the new Christians, he wrote, "You also became imitators of us. . . so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia." I Thessalonians I:6-7. Paul commended the Philippian Christians for giving to the ministry in Thessalonica. He then commended the Thessalonian Christians, who had received generous gifts from the Philippians because they had grown in the faith and were great witnesses of the power of the Gospel!

When you give, others are healed; when you give, you are also healed. This is just one of the reasons God wants us to give to others all our gifts and possessions!

Please give – that God might work in your lives and the lives of others – it is part of God's plan for his people.

To stay updated on all things FBC, download our App here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms are not just for information but also for engagement. They are a great way to connect with our community, support our mission, and be part of our journey.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!

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As I sit in my office, I notice models of cars and motorcycles, along with a few gift books and knick-knacks lining the shelf. Each of these items holds memories for me, collected over my 45 years of ministry. The goofiest gift—and the one I can't help but share the story about—is my "wild moose" coffee cup. It's a large porcelain cup that looks like a bull moose crashed through it, with its head and antlers sticking out one side and its legs sprawled out the other. Flashy, quirky, and definitely not something my wife would permit in our house, it makes me smile every time I see it.

The cup was given to me by a good friend and her husband, who accompanied me on a church youth ski trip to Colorado many years ago. It was late in the day, and several people were resting along the trail. My two friends were there, and as I glanced over at them, they burst into laughter, waving their arms and shouting. I was a novice skier, so I couldn't really look around, but I eventually heard two men calling out to me from behind. When I turned to see the commotion, I found myself face-to-face with a bull moose charging down the hill right behind me, its eyes glaring and nostrils flaring. I stumbled out of the way as the two trailkeepers yelled at the moose, attempting to scare it off the path. I quickly moved as far to the side as I could and joined my friends, who were laughing hysterically at the sight of their nearly trampled pastor. Of course, I lived to tell the story, and the cup they gave me has a special place in my office; it reminds me of a wild time on the slopes of Colorado and, even more importantly, of a cherished memory with two good friends.

You might have something like this in your home or office: a memento from a friend that evokes fond memories from the past. The gift is wonderful, of course, but the shared experience it reminds us of is even better! Gifts have that ability, don't they? Sometimes a gift can help someone through a tough time or fulfill a need; other times, a gift is simply a reminder of a significant moment in your life.

Jesus wanted us to be a 'giving' people! Sometimes, individuals need their physical needs met; at other times, they may require a pat on the back, a shared meal, or a private conversation about what's troubling them. Regardless of the need, making an effort to address someone's needs can have a real impact. Jesus spoke about the act of 'giving' as an expression of faith: "Give to everyone who asks of you, and if they take away what is yours, do not demand it back. Just as you want people to treat you, treat them in the same way. Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap. For by your standard of measure, it will be measured back to you." Luke 6:30-38

Jesus, during his Sermon on the Mount, emphasized that his followers should practice generosity and grace in their relationships with others—not because people are inherently good, but to help them and possibly guide them to faith. When we do this, not only are others supported, but there's a real chance that you will receive some form of gift in return from God himself. It may seem counterintuitive, but the old saying, "It is better to give than to receive," remains true. Give generously and selflessly, and experience the blessings of a life lived in obedience to God!

Your support is invaluable in spreading the message of our ministry. By sharing our podcast with your friends and family, you play a significant role in building a community of believers who find strength in our shared faith. We sincerely appreciate your contributions and urge you to inspire others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is significant and integral to our ministry's success, helping to keep our community connected and thriving.

To stay updated on all things FBC, download our App here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms are not just for information but also for engagement. They are a great way to connect with our community, support our mission, and be part of our journey.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!

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When I first began preaching over 45 years ago, I began performing weddings for various couples in my community. I would meet with the couples, plan the wedding, and usually offer a couple of counseling sessions. I would teach them about handling their anger, working with the in-laws, and generally trying to 'keep the peace' in the home to keep the marriage together. After a few years of this, I began to understand what the couple needed to hear. As they would talk, I could anticipate and address some of the problem areas in their relationship. In many of the couples, there seemed to be a recurring theme – that of lasting commitment. This would come up when we discussed things such as conflict resolution, financial issues, and family differences. I would stress that they love each other, of course, and continually remind themselves of their commitment to each other, and to the marriage itself. When asked about this, I would remind them of something some had never heard. The 'secret' of marriage was that there would be good times and bad, days of love and joy, and days of aggravation and anger.

This seemed to be news to the young couples, as they were usually fresh in love with each other, and could not imagine anything ever coming between them. In fact, I had more than one husband tell me, after going through this part of the counseling, that they would be fine – if they had problems they would talk about their problems, pray together, and everything would be fine. They truly believed it would be that simple to keep their marriage together!

Over the years, though, there were several occasions when I would watch these young couples struggle to keep their marriages together. Some would renew their commitments to each other over and again, and they would build their homes and raise their families. Others, though, would give up on their commitments, giving in to the disappointments and hurts common in marriage life, and ending their marriages in divorce. I make no judgments on these, of course – marriage can be a real challenge! As I said earlier, a marriage will only survive when there is love and commitment to each other and a willingness to dedicate themselves to the relationship.

In some ways, this is a parallel to the way one lives out their faith in Jesus. The Old Testament is a story of 3 men with well-known names: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These were men of sincere faith, living in a land dominated by a pagan King. He was religious and had strong views of power and authority over the lives of his subjects. During his reign, he decreed that at the sign of the music played from the temple, everyone must immediately fall to the ground, and worship the golden image the king had established. These three men refused; when the horns blew, they ignored the king's decree. When the king heard of this, he was furious! He called the three law-breakers in before him and gave them another chance. If they bow to the golden image the king had established, they would live, but if they did not, they would be thrown into a fiery furnace.

Here is what the men said to the king: "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer. If it is so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace. . . But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up." Daniel 3:17-18

The king had them stoke the fire in the furnace, and they were thrown into the flames! The king later looked into the furnace and saw the three men and another man he called "one like a son of god." (Some say this was Jesus!) He had the men come out and questioned them. Because of their commitment to their all-powerful god, he released and blessed them, and they lived out their lives in the kingdom, protected from ridicule and attack.

The unmistakable message here is clear: practicing your faith in God with commitment and obedience can often be very difficult and get you in trouble with all the wrong people! Our God, though, will always be with us, and no matter what happens, He will bless and carry us into the future.

Let me encourage you to follow Jesus, with commitment to his cause, and practice obedience to his Word. Let God work! Do not be afraid, and never back down from your faith. God is in control!

Your support is invaluable in spreading the message of our ministry. By sharing our podcats with your friends and family, you play a significant role in building a community of believers who find strength in our shared faith. We sincerely appreciate your contributions and urge you to inspire others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is significant and integral to our ministry's success, helping to keep our community connected and thriving.

To stay updated on all things FBC, download our App here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms are not just for information but also for engagement. They are a great way to connect with our community, support our mission, and be part of our journey.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!

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Some time ago, I called a credit card company multiple times regarding an unexplained charge on my credit card bill. I left several messages, and when I finally got through to a human being, I could not understand the service agent due to his heavy foreign accent. Although I asked him several times to repeat himself, I still could not understand what he said. In disgust, I told the individual, "Thank you for your time," and hung up the phone. I eventually paid the charge, which, although just a few dollars, was a major aggravation on my part. I was angry that I had been charged with something I had not purchased and enraged that the card company's service department was so poor I could not take care of the charge properly. Instead, I paid it just to get on with my life!

Have you ever felt that way? You try to contact an individual or company, but you cannot get through. We are all familiar with that frustration!

So, too, must be God! He has made multiple efforts over several years, trying to get individuals to speak with him and deal with him "one-on-one," only to be brushed off or ignored. Even when He can get through to someone, through a sermon, bible passage, or one of our personal friends, we just go on about our business, paying him no real attention.

This is exactly what was going on when the Prophet Jeremiah was preaching to the Hebrew people in the land of Judah.

It had been a little over 150 years since the Northern Kingdom of Israel had fallen to the Assyrian Army, which was known to be God's punishment for their apostasy. They had ignored God's pleas for repentance for many years. God patiently reached out to them through different prophets and circumstances. This was all for naught, though, as the people of Israel had determined to ignore God's call to repentance and renewed faith. The judgment was brutal; the Northern Kingdom simply ceased to exist!

Jeremiah was preaching to those in the land of Judah, considered the Southern Kingdom. Here is just one of the passages of Jeremiah calling out to God's people: "Turn, O backsliding children, saith the Lord; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion; and I will give your pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. Jeremiah 3:14-15 Here, the Prophet had reminded the Southern Kingdom of what had happened to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Too, he had challenged them with the call to repent, promising that if they would turn from their sin, God would forgive them, teach them, and give them wisdom that they might live in God's ways and live eternally with God and His people.

Unfortunately, the people refused to repent, and ended up suffering the punishment of God for their sins; they were conquered by the Babylonian army and were taken into slavery in a foreign land. Had they repented of their sin, God would have forgiven them and blessed them and their nation; because of their stubbornness, though, they suffered the consequences.

The great truth of this true story of history is not that God punishes sin but that God would prefer to forgive those who turn from their sin and bless them. That is God's desire!

God loves his people; God loves all people. He calls us all to follow Him and turn from our sins so that He may save us, and bless us with the eternal life that only He can give.

Won't you turn from your own path, confess your sin, and decide to ask God into your life? He will forgive you, save you, and lead you into a life of eternal blessing and joy!

To stay updated on all things FBC, download our App here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms are not just for information but also for engagement. They are a great way to connect with our community, support our mission, and be part of our journey.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!

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Years ago, I heard a ruckus in the basement of our home – my young daughters were at it again! "It's not fair!" One said, "Yet, it is fair," said the other. This went on for some time. I eventually went downstairs and tried to calm them down, but I must admit, I failed! I tried my best to make sense of the situation and perhaps inject some peace and justice into the situation – but I could not! It was one of those situations where one had been given a privilege by virtue of being two years older than the other; when the younger one found out, her first response was predictable and somewhat accurate: "It's not fair!" We discussed this at length, with the end coming when my youngest daughter ran off to her room, crying loudly, and me hearing the familiar "slam!" of her door.

Life's not fair, is it? Even under the best of circumstances, there may always be a situation or event that has an inherent injustice or unfairness: One's parents make more money and can buy their child nice things, and their friends have less; Or, one is inherently more intelligent than another, and gets more recognition or awards than others. Sometimes, what is unjust or unfair results from another's actions or decisions. Regardless, we all have been on the side of the one who felt slighted – and we have all cried out, just as my daughter, "It's not fair!"

In the Old Testament, a preacher named Ecclesiastes wrote about the unfairness of life and the need for justice to overcome this harsh reality of life on this earth. He commented on the nature of this life when he said, "In the place of justice there is wickedness, and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness." 3:16 He was speaking of the unfairness and injustices he had observed in the halls of the justice system, and government actions. Even the 'good people' were unjust! The preacher went so far as to say that he could discern no difference between the animals and mankind when it came to their actions towards each other: "I said to myself, 'God will judge both the righteous man and the wicked man, for a time for every matter and every deed is there. I said to myself concerning the sons of men, God has surely tested them for them to see that they are but beasts.'" Vv.17-18

We are, obviously, a people with a great need for justice and fairness in our affairs. But we cannot do it alone! Here are the instructions from the old preacher; "The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. God will bring every act to judgement, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil." 12:13-14 Simply put, the only way we will experience a life of fairness, justice, and peace is when people of faith apply their faith to their lives, relationships, and dealings with others. We cannot, and will not, do it on our own, and we will all face God for our unjust ways!!

Other than the clear call to a life of faith, there are a couple of other instructions given to us in God's Word that can guide us in our efforts to bring peace and justice to this life:

God wants us to love others. Not just with shallow emotionalism and easy 'feel good' moments; no, God wants us to practice a godly love towards all, living and acting in a way that demonstrates sincere concern towards the well-being of others. Ministries to the sick, hurting, and hungry, as do those who are poor and lonely, come to mind.

God wants us to work for justice and peace. This leads us to actions that will protect others from the predatory people of this earth, as well as those in power who tend to use others for their personal gain. The work for justice and peace is to take place both on a personal level and on a larger level, which may challenge us in our political actions and perspectives.

Here is a final thought on peace, and justice, as given to us by the prophet Micah: "He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

To stay updated on all things FBC, download our App here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms are not just for information but also for engagement. They are a great way to connect with our community, support our mission, and be part of our journey.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!

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Years ago, my dad was driving us through the Ozarks while on vacation, looking for "cheap gas." Back in those days, (the mid-1960s), there were often so-called 'gas wars,' where competing gas stations would try to lure in customers from other stations with lower gas prices. So intense was the competition that even a penny or two difference per gallon could make a huge difference! At some point during this search, it became apparent that the 'cheap gas' being pursued was nowhere to be found; in disgust, my father asserted, in an angry tone, "I'll never pay $.25 for a gallon of gas!" We were stunned by his anger and said nothing. He only relaxed when he found what he had been looking for – cheap gas at $.23 a gallon. What a relief! Years later, of course, we teased him mercilessly for getting angry over $.25 a gallon of gas – by the time we were teasing him, gas was well over $1.50 a gallon.

Now, my dad was not an ignorant man, but he was 'stuck;' in the situation. What I mean is that he was thinking like everyone else, in ways that were restricted by the shared wisdom of the day. No one else wanted to pay $.25 for a gallon of gas, either. The world had changed!

What brought this story to mind is how most people think; the "wisdom of this world" is conditioned and shaped by so many things, including our emotions, the current practices of the day, and more. Also, the "wisdom of this world" is often wrong and will fade away over time, to be replaced by some other 'wisdom' that might be just as far from the truth.

In the Bible, there is a story from King Solomon's life that literally 'put him on the map' in the politics of the day. It's a familiar story of God's wisdom bringing peace to a tragic situation. Solomon was king, and there was trouble in the courtyard. Two women were fighting over a child. Both were prostitutes with infants and shared an apartment. One of the infants had died overnight. The mother of the deceased baby recognized the situation and, in the middle of the night, 'switched out' her dead infant with the one who was sleeping. When the other mother woke, she recognized that the infant was dead, and the baby in her bed was the other woman's. She immediately understood the situation – the babies had been switched! There was a loud, screaming fight between the two, of course, and the two ended up in front of the king, whose task was to bring justice and peace to the now buzzing community.

Solomon pondered the situation and said, 'Bring me the child.' He then reasoned that the only way to satisfy both women was to cut the child in half, giving each one half. The woman who had switched the babies accepted the ruling; the true mother of the living child, though, immediately acted to save her child, begging the king to give the child to the other. In some way, God's wisdom had helped Solomon to discern that the real mother would instead save the life of her child, even if it meant she would lose him. Solomon gave that woman the child, as he recognized her sincerity and the facts of the situation. So clearly, this act of Solomon from God was something the people immediately recognized as something beyond human understanding. The Bible says, "When all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had handed down, they feared the king; for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice." I Kings 3:28 Word spread throughout the land, and soon people from all over the world came to hear Solomon speak the wisdom that was recognized to be from God.

People need justice and guidance in messy situations, and they need to be given the understanding that it is better than what the world has to offer!

When we read this old story, we are confronted with the understanding that there are two types of wisdom: Earthly wisdom, which often brings suffering, broken relationships, and even wars. Then, in contrast, is godly wisdom, which can get justice, emotional healing, and even peace when applied to a life or event. That wisdom is a gift from God, given through his grace.

You may sense a need for wisdom from God to be applied to some situation in your life. Ask God for wisdom, and follow His direction. He can guide us in this life!

To stay updated on all things FBC, download our App here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms are not just for information but also for engagement. They are a great way to connect with our community, support our mission, and be part of our journey.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!

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An update from Rob Van Wey on his missionary work with Soldiers in North Carolina.

"For God so loved the world."

One of the most familiar passages out of the Christian Bible, this passage is always appropriate! In creation, "For God so loved the world." In good times and bad, "For God so loved the world." In life and death, "For God so loved the world." In all situations, the message of God's eternal love for us all can bring comfort, guidance, and joy. God loves us all!

Especially in times like the Christmas season, is the message ever appropriate. A man and his very pregnant wife are looking for a place to stay in a strange land. No room in the in; a bed in a backroom stall; a piercing cry of a newborn boy in the middle of a moonlit night – God loves and has brought about a miracle! Not just the miracle of birth, of course – this birth was special! This baby was "the Christ Child." God, 'in the flesh;' God was moving to save man from his own sin, and self-destructive ways. In the Christ-Child the eternal Creator came as an innocent child, putting to the test the phrase, "For God so loved the world."

The Creator-God, in the flesh, has come to earth! The Creator has come to re-create, to give new life – to save!

This is God's promise: "He was wounded and crushed for our sin. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed." Isaiah 53: Jesus came and lived, preached, suffered, and died so that we might live. From that first creation story, this was God's plan!

This is Jesus' testimony: "I am the living bread that came down out of heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he shall live forever." John 6 Jesus made the fantastic claim – "I who speak to you am he." He was more than just a preacher or prophet, as many have said – He was, and is, the Savior of all!

This is the witness of scripture: "Once for all time, he took blood into that most Holy Place, but not the blood of goats and calves. He took his own blood, and with it, he secured our salvation forever." Hebrews 9, the blood of Jesus, shed on the cross, was God's plan; this is how he would cleanse us from our sin! No magic trick, of course – this was an act of a loving God, giving himself to save the humanity that he had created and strayed from Him.

"For God so loved the world, He gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." This is the story 'behind' the Christmas story and the reason for it all. God's loves us, and that is the reason for the wonderful celebration!

Your support is invaluable in spreading the message of our ministry. By sharing our videos with your friends and family, you play a significant role in building a community of believers who find strength in our shared faith. We sincerely appreciate your contributions and urge you to inspire others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is significant and integral to our ministry's success, helping to keep our community connected and thriving.

To stay updated on all things FBC, download our App here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms are not just for information but also for engagement. They are a great way to connect with our community, support our mission, and be part of our journey.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!

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Last week, we began a series on The Incarnation of Jesus. We pondered an answer to the question, "What is the Incarnation," and learned that the act of God the Son, coming in human flesh, was the simplest way to understand the Incarnation. It was a miraculous act demonstrating God's willingness to do great and mighty things to help humanity. This week, we will consider an answer to the question, "Why did the Incarnation occur?"

Let's take a quick look at the condition of man. The Bible teaches us that we were created in innocence and perfection, with the intention of living in a loving and fulfilling relationship with God. Everything was wonderful for a time. But then man chose to disobey God. That is one way to understand the nature of sin: it is when we decide that we would rather live according to our desires rather than the ways of God. When we live a life of sin (characterized by our rebellion against Him), it means that we may reject God's direction for our lives, and that often brings suffering and misery our way. We aren't typically horrible people, of course, but we live in a way that makes our lives more difficult and tends to hurt those we love. No matter how hard we try, we cannot go back to a sinless life! However, God loves us and wants to help us 'come back' to him so we can live our best lives. God's ultimate solution was the Incarnation! The Incarnation was a miraculous intervention that would enable God to forgive us for our sins, cleanse our lives, and begin the process of re-creating this life on earth.

Let's talk a little about the love of God that brought about this great miracle! In the Old Testament, the love of God was spoken of in one passage like this: "I knew that you were a gracious and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love." Jonah 4:2 The last words in that verse, "unfailing love," is in many other places translated as "abundant lovingkindness." These words for God's love appear over 180 times in the Old Testament, speaking of God's gracious, unearned, and life-changing love for man! In the New Testament, God's love was spoken of using a different term, "agape love." This is similar in meaning, adding a dimension of God's grace to the understanding. So, when we read the very popular New Testament verse, John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son, that whosoever lives and believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life," we see God's 'agape love' in action.

This love of God, spoken of often throughout the scriptures, is the 'why' of the Incarnation! God created us in love with the intention of sharing his blessings and life with us, but our sins separated us from Him. Nothing man could fix this devastating problem, so, in the mind of God, the act of the Incarnation was conceived. God would send his son to this earth in the form of the Christ-child Jesus and ultimately pay the price for our sins. Through this act of love, God would cleanse us from our sins, give us pure hearts, and begin re-creating us in his image. In this precious gift, God would save us from ourselves!

Let me encourage you to consider your place in your relationship with God! if you never asked for the cleansing available through Jesus and would like to have a new and better life, go to God in prayer and receive him into your heart. That will begin a new life for you and can be a source of blessings and joy forever!

To stay updated on all things FBC, download our App here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms are not just for information but also for engagement. They are a great way to connect with our community, support our mission, and be part of our journey.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!

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"With."

A simple term, really. A word that can truly 'make a difference' in one's life or a specific situation. Here are a few examples: "Will you come with me?" "May I come with you?" Or, perhaps, "It would mean so much to me if you would come with us."

When used in such a way, the term "with" can refer to an invitation, an expression of devotion or love, and maybe even a desire for something more in a relationship.

In Old Testament times, it was understood that there was a sort of barrier between man and God. God created us intending to live in a relationship and share his blessings with us. Mankind, however, from the earliest couple on, seemed to have trouble with that idea, at least in practice. There was rebellion, a rejection of God's words, and, finally, sin. The barrier between God and man became more profound as time passed; there were times when it seemed that man had little patience for God at all! Prophets preached a message of the need for repentance in the lives of men and women of all ages; the message of those prophets, in so many words, was simple, "Won't you come with me?" God yearned to bring us close to Him, love, and bless us.

Finally, God made the decision: He would do something unheard of, and miraculous! He sent his son to earth in the form of a child named Jesus. This 'incarnation' was how God would show us who He was and what He wanted of us. He would help us see what we 'could have been' if we had not rejected God, both as individuals and as a people. Throughout the scriptures, Jesus was referred to by many names. One, though, was particularly significant, and full of meaning: Immanuel.

Most everyone is aware of this name of Jesus, not just because it is in the Bible, but because the very name "Immanuel" has been immortalized in a famous Christmas hymn.

Here are the first couple of lines in the old Hymn, which beautifully encapsulates the essence of God's presence among us:

Emmanuel, Emmanuel, His name is called Emmanuel.

God is with us and revealed in us. His name is Emmanuel.

Did you see those words, "God with us?" That is the literal meaning of the words in the original language from Jesus' day: "With us, God." God was saying to us all, as he gave us this name for His son, "I am going to be with you, from now on." He also told us, "Will you come with me and live a life of faith?"

Jesus, the embodiment of the Incarnation of 'God in the flesh,' says to us all, "Come with me: I love you, and will save you, and will bless you, forever." This 'What?' of the Incarnation is the core of our mission, inviting all to experience the love and salvation of God.

Through His son, Jesus, God's God, proclaims his love and intentions for us all. He says, simply and repeatedly, "I want to be with you. Will you come with me?"

How will you answer the God who calls you to faith? This call is not just a request for belief, but a commitment to live a life of faith, to spread His love and message, and to be a part of our ministry's mission.

To stay updated on all things FBC, download our App here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms are not just for information but also for engagement. They are a great way to connect with our community, support our mission, and be part of our journey.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!

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Guest Speaker: Brian Forman

"Again and Again," Mark 1:9-15

Brian serves on the Senior Leadership Team at CBF, helping to coordinate congregational ministries. Brian lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, with his wife, Denise, and they have two adult children.

To stay updated on all things FBC, download our App here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms are not just for information but also forengagement. They are a great way to connect with our community, support our mission, and be part of our journey.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!

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Good morning, FBC! It's an honor to be filling in for Pastor Kevin while he's taking a well deserved week off. Since this morning is our Operation Christmas Child Celebration Sunday, I thought I'd extend Rev Kev's 3:16s of the Bible sermon series. This project allows us to send a shoebox filled with gifts and essentials to children in need, helping them experience the tangible love of God.

Our message will focus on several scriptures—all 3:16 verses from various books of the Bible—that remind us of the core values behind this mission. Each verse speaks to God's love, generosity, and call for us to serve others.

To stay updated on all things FBC, download our App here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms are not just for information but also for engagement. They are a great way to connect with our community, support our mission, and be part of our journey.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!

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The book of Exodus, the second book in the Bible, is the story of how God rescued the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt. This powerful narrative of liberation and faith is at the core of our ministry's mission, inspiring us to bring hope and freedom to those in need. Here is a little bit of historical background:

Egypt was at the peak of its political and military power, dominating the world. This powerful nation conquered smaller nations at will, taking captives from the population and selling them into slavery. Smaller migrant groups already in the country were enslaved, too, including a group of people identified as the Sons of Israel, the descendants of those who had come to Egypt with Jacob in previous years. They were considered a threat because of their great numbers, so the Egyptian leaders enslaved them, forcing them to build 'storage cities' named Pithom and Raamses.

This lasted for several hundred years until their prayers for relief were answered. God called Moses, who was raised in the Egyptian palace, to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Here is a part of what God said to Moses: "I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Amorite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite, to a land flowing with milk and honey. . . So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My miracles, which I shall do in the midst of it; after that, he will let you go." (Exodus 3:17-20)

After a series of confrontations between Pharoah and Moses, God worked ten miraculous plagues on the Egyptian people to convince their leader to let the people go. Moses led them out into the desert, and soon after, God parted the waters of the Red Sea and allowed them to escape the Egyptian chariots Pharoah had sent to destroy them. They were free! It was another 40 years before they were allowed to enter the Promised Land, but the promise of God finally happened. God had heard their cries for freedom from their bondage and suffering, and He worked a mighty work that is spoken of to this day.

I tell this story because it is one that not only inspires faith in the hearts of those who hear; it also teaches us great truths about the One God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the God who later sent his son, Jesus, to rescue all mankind from their suffering and sin. One of the great truths from this story is that God hears us and cares about what is going on in our lives. He is, literally, our "loving father," who listens to our prayers and wants us to share our hearts with Him. Also, our Father-God can act in history to change our lives and bring us strength, courage, and blessings. He may not work in our lives "on demand," but in His time, God acts! Finally, God brings positive changes into our lives as we pray in faith. God loves us, and wants to care for us both now, and in the life that is to come.

Won't you follow this Father-God who cares for you? If you want Him to work in your life to bring forgiveness, joy, and hope, you can ask Jesus into your heart. God will hear your prayer of faith. He will cleanse you from all your sins and failures and begin to work in your life, as only He can, to bring life and joy!

Your support is invaluable in spreading the message of our ministry. By sharing our videos with your friends and family, you play a significant role in building a community of believers who find strength in our shared faith. We sincerely appreciate your contributions and urge you to continue inspiring others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is not just significant, it is integral to our ministry's success, helping to keep our community connected and thriving.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!

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Several years I was conducting a wedding for a young couple in the church where I served as pastor. I met with them a couple of times to plan the ceremony and discuss the issues, and all seemed well. Both were Christian, young, and in love, and seemed to get along very well. The big day arrived, and a few minutes before the ceremony began, I met with the groom behind the stage, waiting for the correct time to enter the auditorium. We talked about the wedding plans, and the young man commented that their planning process had been relatively pleasant, as his young bride was very accommodating. I mentioned that she would probably change a little over time, as she grew into her role as wife, and, later, as mother. With that comment, though, the young man's eyes opened wide as he exclaimed, "I've noticed that – she's gotten pretty aggressive and outspoken in just the last couple of weeks, as we've talked about renting an apartment and making decisions about decorations and furniture; she's never talked to me like that before." I laughed, as I knew this young man was in for a shock! I told him that was normal and that she would probably surprise him with her strength in the days to come.

It is often said that "women are the weaker sex," but most men's experience is the very opposite! Men always find that women are strong and intelligent, can be very aggressive, and often may seem to have a sense of resentment, or even anger, towards men. Why would this be?

In the Old Testament, there is a story that may give us some insight into this male/female relationship dynamic. In the creation story in Genesis 1-3, there is the story of the Creation of the world, including animals, the natural realm, and the first couple, Adam and Eve. They were given almost total freedom; the only restriction on their behavior was not eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Adam and Eve failed, as you probably remember, eating a piece of fruit from the forbidden tree. God confronted them, and punished them, for their sin and disobedience to His Will. Part of the judgments given out had to do with the relationship between the man and woman: "To the woman He said, 'I will greatly multiply Your pain in childbirth, in pain you shall bring forth children; Yet your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.'" Later, to the man, God said, "Cursed is the ground because of you; In toil you shall eat of it, All the days of your life. . . therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden, to cultivate the ground from which he was taken." Genesis 3:16-24

The phrase in v.16, 'yet your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you,' is a key part of the man/woman relationship. Man and woman were created as equals, to work together, and help and encourage each other,in a relationship of mutual support and submission. However, when sin entered the relationship, this balance was disrupted. The loss of mutual support and submission led to a perpetual power struggle between man and woman. This is the unfortunate effect of sin on our relationships.

Men and women can rise above this when they learn to accept the biblical message of mutual support and submission. Unfortunately, that goes against our fallen nature! God can help, though, when we follow Jesus. In Christ, we are "made new" and have transformed hearts and minds. With changed hearts and an education mindset, men and women can learn to trust each other and work together, one submitting to the other, determined by each other's strengths and weaknesses. In this relationship, there can be peace and joy!

Your support is invaluable in spreading the message of our ministry. By sharing our podcasts with your friends and family, you play a significant role in building a community of believers who find strength in our shared faith. We deeplyappreciate your contributions and urge you to continue inspiring others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is not just significant, it is integral to our ministry's success, helping to keep our community connected and thriving.

To stay updated on all things FBC, download our App here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms are not just for information, but also for engagement. They are a great way to connect with our community, support our mission, and be part of our journey.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!

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Not too long ago, I watched a TV program focusing on the use of what are called 'service robots,' which are becoming commonly used worldwide; it was a fascinating program. One of the 'robots' that was very popular was the 'robot dog,' which is in use in several large cities worldwide. This 'dog' could walk up and down stairs and is equipped with a camera and lights, a 'sniffer,' and, in the future, may be equipped with a weapon – all controlled by a remote officer nearby. The 'dog' is fearless, of course, and can go into situations that might threaten the life or well-being of an officer. There is great interest in this model, we were told! Another robot was a 'hospitality robot' that stood upright on wheels, had face-like features on the top to mimic a human face, and was designed to carry a tray to patients in a hospital or nursing home. This type of robot was equipped with new 'artificial intelligence' software (all computer-operated); it could even carry on basic patient conversations. These patients have responded well to these robots in trials. It was reported that these models will soon be almost everywhere, and some people need help daily.

The focus of the program was that, eventually, there would be no need for real people to engage in many of these tasks, as there would eventually be a 'bot' developed for tasks that are repetitive, dangerous, or considered too 'menial' for human beings. There would be a literal 'army' of these bots everywhere you went, and this would be a great boon for humanity, accomplishing all sorts of tasks!

I have often wondered what could be done if one had an 'army' of these 'service bots' at one's disposal. The answer: almost anything!

We don't have to imagine this situation, as someone has already done something similar to this, but with real, live people. Who has done this, you might ask? I would contend that this is precisely what God has done with his people of faith in the Church! The Church is the collection of God's people, united by faith in him through Jesus. Much more than a building, it is an army of believers who have voluntarily given their lives over the service of God in almost every way imaginable!

Here are some characteristics of God's people who have become, by choice, servants of the One God. First, they are united by their belief in the Gospel message and the experience of Jesus cleansing them of their sin. Additionally, they have received God's Spirit with them. They are engaged in the transformation of their hearts and lives through that Spirit and the teachings of the Scripture. Finally, they are organized into a functioning body of people, united by their faith, forming a worldwide organization called into service every day. The Church is God's 'army,' ready to go out into the world to help people in crisis, to teach them the good news of Jesus, and to model the kinds of loving and gracious behaviors that best reflect the One God, who loves us all.

God's plan for the Church may be 'low-tech,' but look at all God has done with his servants: He has taken schools and hospitals into needy areas, provided food and water to millions in crisis, taught cultures how to value human life and foster respect and concern for people of all colors and nationalities, and even provided foundational beliefs for some of the greatest nations in human history. WOW!!

Would you like to be a part of God's "army" on this earth? When you come to believe in Jesus as the crucified and resurrected Son of God and ask him to come into your heart and save you, the transformation of your life begins. God will fill and guide you with his Holy Spirit, teach you with his written Word, the Bible, and then start to guide you into service. When you say "yes" to God's call, you join the largest, most effective, and most enduring organization in human history – the Church! He will use, bless, and fill you up in ways you have never imagined. Follow Jesus, and join the servants of God, the Church!

Your support is crucial to spreading the message of our ministry. By sharing these podcasts with your friends and family, you play a significant role in building a community of believers who find strength in our shared faith. We are deeply grateful for your contributions and urge you to continue inspiring others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is not just important, it's integral to our ministry's success, helping to keep our community connected and thriving.

Your financial contributions make our ministry possible. They support outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for the community. We assure you that your contributions are used with transparency and accountability, making a real difference in the lives of those we serve. Your generosity is a testament to your commitment to our mission, and we value your role in making this ministry a reality. You can contribute here https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

To stay updated on all things FBC, download our App here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. Staying connected with us is a great way to engage with our community and support our mission.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!

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While in high school, I got into a huge argument with one of my good friends; we almost came to blows! We finally calmed ourselves down and ended up laughing at ourselves due to the nature of the argument. Our big blow-out resulted from a fairly ordinary discussion for high-school boys: we all worked on our cars, and we would compare notes about tools, techniques, and in this instance, which oil was best to use in our older v8 engines. He commented that a particular oil brand was best, and I countered that another brand, the one I preferred, was even better. He and I went back and forth for some time, tempers flared, and I believed we would have to 'duke it out!' Fortunately, we both caught ourselves, and then I explained that my dad had always used 'my' oil; he gave a sheepish smile and admitted that 'his' oil was one his father always used. We both started laughing, having realized just how silly we were: neither one of us knew anything about oil, we were just going on what our fathers had said. Our 'convictions' about oil quality weren't really convictions; they were just simple preferences that neither of us had ever seriously considered.

Of course, this was a silly and childish argument, but I have had occasion to think of it often over the years. The notion of 'life choices' and 'convictions' is an important one for at least two simple reasons: First, our choices and convictions, and how we form them, can have a significant impact on our lives, our relationships, and the way we serve God and his Kingdom. Secondly, the type of convictions that drive our lives can determine our witness for Christ to those around us.

John the Baptist, Jesus' cousin, was one who had developed certain convictions around the issue of godly faith, and these convictions controlled his life! No matter where he was or who he was talking to, his convictions of faith in God and Jesus, God's Son, determined every action and word! Whenever John spoke, those around him knew where he stood when it came to matters of living out one's faith in the One God. He spoke forcefully against sin and made the case for honest repentance and living out one's faith in a way that would please God. Also, wherever he lived and whatever he said, he demonstrated his belief in Jesus as the Son of God, who was the promised Messiah. His convictions were chosen based on his life experiences and how he had seen God work. In addition, his actions and words purposefully made the case for a life based upon faith in Jesus as the fulfillment of the Jewish faith. Here is just a small portion of what John spoke, based upon his God-given convictions:

John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of

repentance for the forgiveness of sins. . . And he was preaching and saying, "After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to stoop down and untie the thong of His sandals. I baptized you will water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." Mark 1:4, 7-8

I urge you to consider the convictions that will shape your life. Choose your beliefs wisely and let them guide your actions. Base your life on the teachings of Jesus, who sacrificed himself and rose again. Plan your life according to your faith in Him. Your life will gain purpose and significance, and others will be inspired by the power of your faith.

Your support is crucial to spreading the message of our ministry. By sharing these podcasts with your friends and family, you play a significant role in building a community of believers who find strength in our shared faith. We are deeply grateful for your contributions and urge you to continue inspiring others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is vital to our ministry's success, helping to keep our community connected and thriving.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!

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I recently attended a cross-country track meet so that I could cheer on my teenage daughter, who is well on her way to becoming a successful athlete. In a cross-country meet, the parents and families of the runners stand at different parts of the course and cheer their loved ones on. Then, everyone rushes to the finish line to yell like crazy, hoping that the support will give the runners an extra 'push' across the finish line. It's great fun!

At this meet, the course was in a very hilly location. At the first station, all the parents yelled out support for the kids as they ran by, and then, in 2-3 minutes, there were a couple of stragglers who were far behind the pack. They were giving it all they had, but it was apparent they weren't doing well! We all felt sorry for them and wanted to encourage them, so we all yelled like crazy for the stragglers far behind the pack. We could only hope that our cheers and volume would help them somehow!

I am always surprised when I hear athletes say that the cheers of the crowd really do make a difference. I have even heard professional athletes say that the cheers of the crowd make them feel better and more capable and even encourage them to try harder, especially when they are up against formidable athletes—it really helps!

There is a story in the Old Testament that demonstrates how God worked to help a leader of the Hebrew people, Joshua. Moses had led the people in the wilderness and was no longer with them. God called Joshua to lead the people after Moses' death. In Joshua 1, we see the way God called Joshua into what would be a very dangerous and difficult task. He explained that Joshua was to take the people across the Jordan River, lead them to conquer the people of the Promised Land and take the land for God's people. It was terrifying! But God knew what Joshua needed: God told him that He would be with them every step of the way and give them victory over the pagan leaders of the land. And God did something very much like what I did for my granddaughter as she raced across the countryside: He cheered Joshua on and encouraged him in the task.

The way God did this was very simple: Speaking to a man about to embark upon a difficult task, he said, three separate times, the phrase: "Be strong and courageous." Let me give you a shortened version of God's encouragement: "Be strong and courageous, for you will lead these people to take the land for their own." V.6: "Be strong and courageous, and be careful to obey my commands." V.7Finally, God said, "Be strong and courageous, and don't be afraid because I will always be with you." V.9

God was encouraging Joshua, just like we were encouraging the runners in the race: "Come on, you can do it!" "Push harder, you're doing great!" finally, "Don't give up, you're almost there!" The difference, though, is that we gave the kids moral support. At the same time, God taught Joshua essential life lessons that would carry him through dark and challenging days. "I will be with you;" "Don't give up; I will help you do this." Finally, "Do what I tell you, and you will be fine."

The message for us is simple as we endeavor to live our lives of faith: "God is with us, and he will help us, every day, and in every way." And, finally, "Trust God to help you, and trust him with your life."

Let me encourage you to hear God's word, which speaks often of faith and obedience. Trust God with your life, and lethim use you and help you daily.

Your support is not just important; it's crucial to spreading the message of our ministry. By sharing these podcasts with your friends and family, you are not just helping us reach more people. You are playing a significant role in creating a community of believers who can find solace and strength in our shared faith. Your role in this mission is invaluable, but it's integral. We are grateful for your contribution and urge you to continue your support and inspire others to join us in this mission. Your support is not just a gesture; it's a key factor in our journey, and your involvement makes you an integral part of our Ministry's mission.

Your financial contributions are vital to making our Ministries a possibility. These contributions will support our various outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. We assure you that your contributions will be used with the utmost transparency and accountability. Your support is not just appreciated; it is essential to our operations. We value your contributions and your role in making our Ministry a reality. Your support is not just a gesture; it's a significant step towards making a difference in our community. Your support is appreciated and invaluable to us. Your financial contributions are not just a means of support; they are a testament to your commitment to our mission and a vital part of our operations. We value your contributions and the role you play in making our Ministry a reality.

If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, we encourage you to download our App by clicking here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. Staying connected with us is a great way to stay engaged with our community and our mission. We look forward to your continued support and involvement. Your active participation in our digital platforms will keep you updated on our activities and strengthen our community.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We are truly grateful for your contributions and the role you playin making our Ministry a reality. Your support is not just a gesture, but a testament to your commitment to our mission. We look forward to your continued support and participation. Thank you for watching. We will see you next week, and we look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our Ministry.

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Years ago, as a student at a Baptist college, I heard a sermon that seemed so right – but was absolutely wrong! The speaker said something like this: "If you have sin in your life, God won't be able to use you; He will just use someone else and wait for you to get your life straightened out." I, and all the other ministerial students at that service said loudly, "Amen!" The message was a 'hit the sinners hard-with-the-gospel' approach that appealed to our youthful enthusiasm and affirmed our convictions regarding sin, and Christians who aren't 'serious' about Jesus. We all went back to our dorm rooms' pumped up' about the message, and some of us even planned to use that approach, and maybe even that quote,' the very next time we preached.

Over the next few days, though, I had time to think about the message, and I realized something: If God won't use someone with sin in their life, who will he use? Also, if God cannot use someone who hasn't gotten their life straightened out, when will I know I'm good enough for God to use? These were daunting questions, so I asked my preacher friends what they thought. Some didn't worry about it because it sounded good, but some of my more thoughtful friends agreed with me – something was wrong with what the speaker had said!

There is a story in the Old Testament book of Ruth about a woman of the same name who was really in a bad spot in life in the land of Moab. Her husband had died, and she was alone with her mother-in-law, Naomi, who had come from another country in the city of Bethlehem, with no real prospects for a good life. She decided she would go back to Judah with her mother-in-law and adopt the elder woman's faith in God. When they arrived in the land, she had no job or money, so she began to follow the laborers in the field after harvest, picking up the scraps for her and her in-law. Over time, a man noticed her in the field and arranged to meet with her. Things progressed quickly; they eventually married, and she had a son named Obed. This isn't really an unusual story, except that her son Obed grew up and married a woman and had a son named Jesse, who had a son David, who grew to become the King of Israel! The ultimate end to the story, given in Matthew 1, was that, centuries later, in King David's family, a child whose name was Jesus was born! Yes, the Messiah, the Son of God, was born because God worked with a woman whose life was in a mess. She was no one special, new to the Jewish faith, and had nothing to give to God – except her willingness to follow God's lead. God used Naomi's influence and family connections to lead her to depend upon God, and God worked his plan to include a Moabite woman, Ruth, to be included in Jesus' genealogy in the first chapter of the Gospel of Matthew. This was more than just an acknowledgment of history; her inclusion in Jesus' family ancestry was God's way of saying to the world that He could use anyone, from any place, in his plan for all mankind – even a woman born and raised Gentile! This story is a powerful reminder that God's plan is inclusive, and He can use anyone, from any background, in his mission for all mankind.

God wants everyone to know that to him, there is only one people on earth – all are part of his creation, and all are called to follow Jesus. God loves all people and can use anyone, no matter their story, in his plan to save the world from sin. God is calling you to faith in Jesus and to live a life of obedience to his plan. God will use you, help you find your place in this life, and bless you into eternity when you follow Him!

Your support is not just important; it's crucial in spreading the message of our Ministry. By sharing these podcasts with your friends and family, you are not just helping us reach more people. You are playing a significant role in creating a community of believers who can find solace and strength in our shared faith. Your role in this mission is not just invaluable, but it's integral. We are grateful for your contribution and urge you to continue your support and inspire others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is not just appreciated, but it's essential to our mission. You are not just a supporter but a key player in our journey, and your support makes you an integral part of our Ministry.

Your financial contributions are vital to making our Ministries a possibility. These contributions will support our various outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. We assure you that your contributions will be used with the utmost transparency and accountability. Your support is not just appreciated; it is essential to our operations. We value your contributions and your role in making our Ministry a reality. Your support is not just a gesture but a significant step towards making a difference in our community. Your support is appreciated and invaluable to us. Your financial contributions are not just a means of support, but a testament to your commitment to our mission and a vital part of our operations. We value your contributions and the role you play in making our Ministry a reality.

If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, we encourage you to download our App by clicking here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. Stayingconnected with us is a great way to stay engaged with our community and our mission. We look forward to your continued support and involvement.

Thank you for listening. We will see you next week!

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Finding Your Purpose Through Following Jesus Your support is not just important; it's crucial in spreading the message of our Ministry. By sharing these videos with your friends and family, you are not just helping us reach more people. You are playing a significant role in creating a community of believers who can find solace and strength in our shared faith. Your role in this mission is not just invaluable, but it's integral. We are grateful for your contribution and urge you to continue your support and inspire others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is not just appreciated, but it's essential to our mission. You are not just a supporter but a key player in our journey, and your support makes you an integral part of our Ministry. Your financial contributions are vital to making our Ministries a possibility. These contributions will support our various outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. We assure you that your contributions will be used with the utmost transparency and accountability. Your support is not just appreciated; it is essential to our operations. We value your contributions and your role in making our Ministry a reality. Your support is not just a gesture but a significant step towards making a difference in our community. Your support is appreciated and invaluable to us. https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give

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Have you ever noticed that not everyone can do the same things? I've noticed this with a couple of my grandchildren; they are both beautiful and healthy but have very different abilities! One was born to be 'on stage;' she is a natural entertainer and, even while very young, is comfortable performing in front of a large crowd. She can sing, act, and do anything on stage without getting nervous! Another of my grandchildren is a stone-cold academic and a top-tier athlete. She scores near-perfect in almost all of her classes, memorizes vast amounts of information easily, and is growing up to be an excellent cross-country runner. They are both amazing – but so different! Thankfully, as they have grown up together, they have come to appreciate each other's abilities and skills without any of the jealousies young siblings so often have.

I mention my grandchildren and their gifts and abilities because God has given them different gifts and skills to be developed and used for various reasons. In one part of his letter in the Bible, the author James mentions 'gifts from God' and gives us insight into the nature of these gifts. He says, "Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow." James 1:17

Here are a couple of things I've gleaned from this passage, and others in the Bible, about what we can consider gifts from God. First, if there is something good in your life, consider it a gift from God! God loves us and blesses us simply out of the goodness of His character and grace. He gives us gifts for the same reason we give those we love gifts – to bless them and bring joy to their lives! Another thing to remember is that God intends us to use, develop, and enjoy these gifts! One may have to practice and learn skills and face down fears and insecurities, but the result is the ability to use and express those gifts to their fullest, bringing joy and inspiration to our lives. Another thing: God wants us to develop and use our gifts to bring glory to him and draw others into a life-changing relationship with Him through Jesus. Our gifts are ours, of course, and God gives us complete freedom to use them as we choose, but He wants us to accept them fully, develop them, and then use them in this life, bless others, and bring joy into our lives.

Let me challenge you to identify whatever gifts and abilities God has given you and then develop them to their fullest. Use your gifts to bless others and share the good news of Jesus as you serve him daily.

Your financial contributions are vital to making our Ministries a possibility. These contributions will support our various outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. We assure you that your contributions will be used with the utmost transparency and accountability. Your support is not just appreciated; it is essential to our operations. We value your contributions and your role in making our Ministry a reality. Your support is not just a gesture but a significant step towards making a difference in our community. Your support is appreciated and invaluable to us.

If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/

Thank you for listening. We will see you next week!

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There has been a recent series of ads on Facebook, all dealing with the power of our choices. The ads are all very similar: On one side is a man who is well-muscled and physically fit, and the words "This is hard" across the top of the picture; on the other side is a picture of a man who is obviously overweight and unhealthy, with the words, "This is hard." And then, along the bottom border, is the phrase, "Choose your hard." The meaning is clear – 'You can choose the 'hard' of exercise and self-discipline and get a certain result, or you can choose the 'hard' of overeating and lack of exercise and get another result. Both are 'hard' because one takes effort, and the other makes you miserable. Life is hard, and the type of life you get is your choice! Your choices have the power to shape your life.

I often think of that series of ads because of the inherent truth – your life results from your choices! Of course, there are accidents and outside influences, but for most of us, what we choose to do and how we choose to live determines the course of our lives!

You may not realize it, but that is a very 'Christian' way of thinking about your life and the practice of your faith. You can choose to ignore your faith and get very little from it, or you can choose to accept the Biblical teachings God has given us, allow them to shape your thoughts and actions, and experience the life that God has planned for you!

There is a passage in the Old Testament that can help us grasp the life-changing nature of true faith. It states, "The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generation." Exodus 4:6-7

The passage presents several dramatic truths that can make a real difference in our lives when we choose to accept them.

First, God is a loving and compassionate God who is slow to anger and quick to forgive. This means we can live with the conviction that God loves us and wants to help us in this life! He does not wish to punish us; rather, He desires to lift us and help us rebuild our lives when we fall. Second, God values truth and righteousness. The God who loves is a God who speaks the truth and can help us discern the truths that can shape our lives and avoid the lies and deceptions of our fallen world. Finally, God is a just and righteous judge who fully intends to punish sin. There is no justice if there is no judgment! As the passage said earlier, God does not wish to punish anyone; His choice would be for us to turn from our sin, receive the forgiveness He so freely offers, and rebuild our lives. But, when people resist Him, God will punish sin – it is inescapable! Our sin brings suffering upon us and upon those we love most.

This, of course, is the message of grace. God loves us and wants to forgive and bless us, but we will reap the whirlwind if we reject his leadership. When we choose the 'hard' of personal responsibility and faith, we can live with joy. On the other hand, the 'hard' of rebellion and living apart from God's grace leads to a life of spiritual emptiness and separation from God's love. It is our choice!

Your support is not just important; it's crucial in spreading the message of our Ministry. By sharing these podcats with your friends and family, you are not just helping us reach more people. You are playing a significant role in creating a community of believers who can find solace and strength in our shared faith. Your role in this mission is not just invaluable, but it's integral. We are grateful for your contribution and urge you to continue your support and inspire others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is not just appreciated, but it's essential to our mission. You are not just a supporter but a key player in our journey, and your support makes you an integral part of our ministry.

Your financial contributions are vital to making our Ministries a possibility. These contributions will support our various outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. We assure you that your contributions will be used with the utmost transparency and accountability. Your support is not just appreciated; it is essential to our operations. We value your contributions and your role in making our Ministry a reality. Your support is not just a gesture but a significant step towards making a difference in our community. Your support is appreciated and invaluable to us.

Thank you for listening. We will see you next week!

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There are many ways by which people 'define' their lives and choose to live:

Some time ago, I stumbled upon an ad for one of those ancestry services that became so popular. The ad focused on the story of a man who had always believed he was of German ancestry. So, to carry on the tradition of his German heritage, he often dressed in traditional Bavarian clothes, sang songs and performed in dance groups that featured German traditions. He was happy with his Germanic heritage and made many good friends through these activities. Interestingly, though, when he finally signed up to discover his family lineage, he found minimal German lineage; however, he had a powerful Italian ancestry! He felt obligated to 're-define' his life so that his hobbies and interests were more consistent with his true ancestry. He joined groups that honored and practiced his newfound Italian heritage. He had to learn new songs and dance steps to reflect who he was accurately. This transformation, guided by faith, is a powerful testament to the potential of faith to shape our lives.

While the man's reaction to his ancestry is extreme, it vividly demonstrates the profound influence of one's 'identity' on their life. This concept, deeply rooted in the Bible, is a powerful force that can shape our lives in ways we may not realize.

In both the Old and New Testaments, God speaks to his people about 'who they are.' God teaches the reader who they 'are' and who they 'identify as' and can guide them as they determine the course of their lives. In one Old Testament Passage, Moses said this: ". . . You shall live in booths for seven days; all the native-born in Israel shall live in booths so that your generations may know that I had the sons of Israel live in booths when I brought them out from the land of Egypt. I am the Lord, you God." Leviticus 23: 42-43

Moses was teaching his people to 'act out' how their ancestors had survived the wanderings in the desert after the Exodus experience on a special once-a-year holiday called The Feast of Booths. This was part of a larger celebration where the people would erect a small tent, or hut, outside their homes and live for a week to be reminded of how God worked in their history to form them as His people, the nation Israel. As they participated in this practice year after year, they would begin to create their 'identity' as the chosen people of God, Israel. It was a powerful teaching tool and was instrumental in helping them remember their heritage and make choices to further their lives of faith.

There are many examples of this kind of thing in the Bible, all with the same intent: to help God's people 'identify' with God and continue practicing their faith. One short passage in the New Testament was also compelling: "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree'- so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come the Gentiles so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." Galatians 3:12-14. Here, Paul was explaining to the Jewish Christians that their identity as Christians was because of Christ's work on the cross, just like the Gentiles. Indeed, there was no difference at all because all who are "in Christ" are God's people, and they should live accordingly.

Who you 'are' is important! God calls us to live 'in Christ' and to identify as God's people. When we do this, our lives will be shaped by that conviction, and our faith will be a powerful force in our lives – just like God intended! This, of course, will be a guide in every area of life and a way through which God can bless, use, and bring us joy.

Thank you for listening. We will see you next week!

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We've all heard crazy stories that are all but unbelievable, haven't we? Interestingly, though, no matter how bizarre a story is, a few almost always believe it to be true. This is especially true with stories of alien abductions – people who say that they were taken captive by aliens from another world. One of the first of these 'abduction' stories hit the news way back in September 1961, and it made quite a splash!

The couple involved in this story were a husband and wife named Barney and Betty Hill. They made their story public and followed the publicity with interviews, investigations, and eventually a best-selling book. They told the story with great conviction and presented drawings, pictures, and other details; they were pretty convincing in those days! Mr. Hill died of a stroke a few years later, and Betty continued to tell her story to anyone who would listen for the rest of her life. Neither of them ever waivered in their story – until their dying days, they were absolutely convinced that their story was the absolute truth!

As most of these stories go, this one, too, was thoroughly debunked. No matter how much the Hills believed the story, it just wasn't true!

This sort of thing is not really unusual, is it? Even in the Church, people will tell stories of miracles or experiences and even teach 'truths' that are not true.

This was the case even in the very early years of Christian history. Timothy was a young pastor of a church struggling with 'what to believe.' There were false teachers and false teachings everywhere, and those in the Church were having trouble discerning what was true and what was false. So, Paul, an older pastor, wrote him a letter giving him instructions. Here is part of what he wrote to the young Pastor: "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths." II Timothy 4: 2-4

Paul anticipated a time in the Church when people would not be satisfied with the biblical message; instead, they would go after what was either new, exciting, or popular in the culture. The Pastor's task was simple: teach the word of God! In discussions, bible studies, sermons, and everyday conversation. Sometimes, the discussions would be easy and pleasant; at other times, they would be contentious and difficult. But the task for the Pastor was to always teach the truth according to God's Word and do so with great patience. How people felt about something did not determine the truth of their beliefs. People would know the truth only by holding fast to the teachings in God's word!

Centuries later, those in the Church still must adhere to the truth of God's Word! Regardless of our title or role in the Church, we must hold fast to biblical teachings and resist the ungodly influences of the world around us. That is the task of the pastor/teacher and the task of all who would follow Jesus. What you believe matters!

Thank you for listening. We will see you next week!

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Have you ever read a 'news report' that didn't sound quite right? Are you familiar with the term 'fake news?

Some time ago, I came across an article discussing the years-long fight to get 'fat' out of our American diet. Years ago, scientists had supposedly proven that fat in our diets was a terrible problem and that if we eliminated fats from our foods, we would be thinner, healthier, and probably look better! Interestingly enough, researchers have recently begun to turn away from that perspective. Even as many have eliminated fats from their diets, our people have continued to gain weight and suffer more diet-related health problems. The article acknowledged these phenomena and discussed the efforts to get fat from our diets.

The back story behind the idea that fat in our diets was the problem was initially suggested by those in the sugar industry. The executives of several companies that manufactured sugar- and sugar-related products were trying to draw away any negative attention that sugar may have attracted by those researching foods. These executives influenced the scientific organizations to blame Americans' health problems on the fats in Americans' high-fat diets. This led to decades of low-fat advertising and low-fat products in the American food culture.

To put it bluntly, the idea that the fats in our diets were a significant problem for Americans was 'fake news!' The food researchers and Sugar Industry executives purposely falsified information. They misled the American people so that theirsugar-related products would continue to do well in the marketplace. Their plan worked, and for the last several decades, millions of Americans have been trying to lose weight and be healthy, cutting fat from their diets. Unfortunately, there was no real focus on caloric reductions, including calories from sugars, which meant that people cut fats from their diets and still gained weight. Instead of getting healthier, their health problems increased!

This is the danger of 'fake news.' If you base your life upon that which is untrue, you always suffer in some way. Regardless of what area of life you're talking about, the truth is always best!

The Apostle Paul never wrote about fats and sugars in your diets, to be sure. Still, he wrote that Christians needed to base their lives upon the truth, even when it was unpopular or painful. In one passage in the book of Romans, he wrote, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus. ., for we maintain that a ma is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also. . . ." Romans 3:23-24, 28-29. This passage is part of a long section where Paul taught the Roman Church that God was the One God, who loves and offers forgiveness to all. Jews were called to worship the One God through Jesus, and Gentiles (non-Jews) were also called to worship the One God through Jesus. Any other belief – that God loved one group more than another or that only certain people could be saved, was declared to be what we would today call "fake news." There was already a problem with 'fake news' in the Church, and Paul knew the only way to root it out was to teach the truth clearly and expose that which was false.

Centuries later, there is still a problem with fake news in the Church! Fake news in the Church is any idea or teaching that limits what kind of people can be saved; it is any action or practice that distorts the clear message of Jesus; and it is any belief that asserts the spiritual superiority of one group or individual over another. But remember, the truth in the Church always unites God's people under the sign of the cross, making us all part of a larger, unified community.

Let me encourage you to be aware of any fake news you might hear in the Church. Choose to believe the truth that is in Jesus, and nothing else!

Thank you for listening. We will see you next week!

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Scratch Lotto – Win money, get the girl, travel, have a big house with a pool!

That's the commercial, isn't it? It's always the same with the various get-rich-quick schemes: Spend just a little bit of money, take your chances, and even if you lose, you're closer to winning. If you lose, just buy another ticket, and eventually, you'll win, and it will all be yours! And literally, millions of people have bought tickets, over and over, for decades. For some, it's 'just for fun,' but ,it is a life-long obsession for others.

The tragedy of it all is that the happiness people chase is much simpler to achieve: a life lived by faith, where you love God and love people, is the life that will produce the happiness you desire. If you fill your life with the desires and the things of this world, chances are you will never get what can fill your heart. But remember, the path to true happiness is not complex, it's simple and within reach.

Jesus knew this 'secret,' of course, and he told a parable to help people grasp the ways of happiness and joy.

"Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold."

The disciples did not understand the parable, so Jesus explained it:

When anyone hears the word of the Kingdom and doesn't understand it, the evil one takes it away. When someone hears and receives the word of the Kingdom, but isn't really serious, the seed is rooted at first, but then dies away quickly; When others receive the word, but never nurture their faith, it remains shallow, and hard times will destroy those beliefs; finally, when the word of the Kingdom falls on good soil, and is nurtured and watered and fed, that faith grows, and brings forth life, and joy. This is what Jesus meant when he told the parable of the sower. [Matthew 13:1-23]

What Jesus was saying was really quite simple: If the message of Jesus is received, nurtured, and allowed to grow in one's heart, it will bring much joy to one's life. God will work with them, help them transform their lives, and give them that which will bring joy! However, if people don't receive the message of Jesus in a serious manner and invest their lives in knowing and serving Him, their initial interest in the faith will fade away, and they will be left on their own. They will look for love and happiness in all the wrong places and live without the things God yearns to give them!

I hope you will receive the words of the Kingdom with the 'good soil' of your heart! Receive the message of new life in Jesus, and nurture your faith, no matter what happens in your life. God will bless you and bring you the joy and happiness you desire, even if you never buy a lottery ticket! !

We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. These contributions will be used to support our various outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. We want to assure you that your contributions will be used with the utmost transparency and accountability. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

Thank you for listening. We will see you next week!

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Years ago, as college students, my fiancé and I made many friends – it was a wonderful time in our lives! One young woman that comes to mind was attractive, energetic, upbeat, friendly, and a true pleasure to have around. She and my fiancé became quite close, and Tammy (my fiancé) revealed that our good friend had a problem – she was, I was told, “a worrier.” This was such a problem in her life that she often could not sleep and tended to ‘fret’ over things that sometimes seemed very minor. As time passed, her worries increased, and this young, attractive woman developed a nervous habit of tugging on her eyelashes. So severe was this practice that she eventually had no lashes at all on one eye – in dramatic contrast to her other eye, which had long, flowing lashes. It caused my wife great concern, of course. They talked and prayed about her concerns, and she seemed to improve over time. However, she continued to struggle with her worries and eventually sought professional help.

Over the years, I have encountered many others who, like us, have had severe struggles with worries and anxiety. We all worry to some degree, but for some, this issue can become overwhelming. In the book of Psalms, we find a passage that resonates with many of us: “. . .In the day of my trouble, I sought the Lord; In the night, my hand was stretched out without weariness; My soul refused to be comforted. When I remember God, then I am disturbed, When I sigh, then my spirit grows faint. Thou hast held my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak. . . .” 77:1-6 . This is a man of faith whose troubles have overwhelmed him. He is so consumed with worry that he cannot sleep, is overcome with fatigue, and, as he says, “my spirit grows faint.” In other words, he is miserable and almost beyond going! This is a feeling many of us can relate to, isn’t it? But there is a better way to live!

The scriptures can lead us to a ‘better way’ of life. In the book of Philippians, the Apostle Paul wrote: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, what is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. Things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace shall be with you.” 4:6-9

Paul speaks of handling worry, often “anxiety,” or “anxious,” by teaching us to focus on the good things in life. So, instead of letting our minds focus on the negative aspects of life (always present!), we are to dwell on the good things of life. This doesn’t take away legitimate concern; rather, it just keeps us from thinking about the negative aspects of life all the time. Surprisingly, this is one of the objectives of a modern therapeutic approach – to re-focus our energies and thoughts on the good that is in life and not give negative power over our lives. This is our choice: to control our thoughts, develop healthy ‘self-talk,’ and become one who recognizes and deals with the existing problems but does not let them consume us. The end result of living this way involves the “peace of God” coming into our lives. God can help us control our thoughts, help us deal with the difficult issues in our lives, and, finally, give us a sense of peace in life that isn’t based on one’s situation but instead on the presence and influence of God. This is the “peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension.” 4:7

God will not ‘fix’ all your problems, but He can help you with them! He will give you strength and guidance, and when we learn to focus on the good from God in our lives, He will give us peace. And peace from God is the absence of the worry that consumes us!

Your support is not just important, it's crucial in spreading the message of our Ministry. By sharing these podcasts with your friends and family, you are not just helping us reach more people, you are creating a community of believers who can find solace and strength in our shared faith. Your role in this is invaluable, and we are grateful for your contribution.

We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. We want to assure you that your contributions will be used with the utmost transparency and accountability. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

Thank you for listening. We will see you next week!

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I recently discovered something I'd been searching for – a first-hand account of one of my Father's experiences aboard the U.S.S. Birmingham cruiser during WWII. The ship was ordered to come alongside the U.S.S. Princeton, an aircraft carrier burning for several days. Supposedly, it was safe, as all thought the fires were out. Unfortunately, that was not true! While in tow alongside the Birmingham, the ship exploded, killing over 800 soldiers on deck and causing significant damage to the Birmingham. My Father was put to work cleaning up the body parts for the next couple of days, and the experience made a great impression on my Father's life! He told me the story repeatedly, and now that he's gone, the story has become more important to me; I want to know about the forces and experiences that shaped his life!

After I found the article, I read it a couple of times and then sent it to my brother and sisters—I thought they needed to hear the story that shaped our Father's life. There are important lessons to learn, and they must be taught if they are to be passed on! This applies to lessons from our family's story, of course, as well as so many other things. We must be taught, or we will lose what we've been given!

That is one of the reasons that God gave us The Church – to pass down the important lessons that He has given us through the Gospel and in the scriptures themselves. Jesus said this: "You are the world's light. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Mathew 5:14-16

Jesus was talking about how his followers, The Church, were to ensure that others would hear his message of forgiveness and salvation. Using the image of 'light in the darkness,' he taught the power of the Christian message. Light can push back the darkness; in fact, the darkness is powerless against the light! Jesus meant for them to grasp the power of his message of salvation and share it with others. This 'light' of the Gospel can touch many different parts of our lives: the spiritual aspect, of course, but also the value of the family system given by God, as well as a strong sense of personal responsibility. When people learn how the Gospel can affect their lives and those of others and share that message, lives can be changed; in fact, the world can be changed!

This was God's plan: He would work to bring salvation and new life through Jesus, and his disciples would spread the Word everywhere they went. The light of Jesus would bring life and joy to all who would receive it!

Let me encourage you to receive the light of the world, Jesus, into your life. Then, follow Jesus' words: "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

Your support is crucial in spreading the message of our Ministry. By sharing these podcasts with your friends and family, you are helping us reach more people and creating a community of believers who can find solace and strength in our shared faith.

We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

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I grew up in a typical Baptist church in the Midwest, and I remember well when I first heard of the Holy Spirit. It seemed that no one really understood who or what the Holy Spirit was! Particularly challenging was the public anger aimed at those who often spoke of the Holy Spirit and began to practice and manifest the " signs of the spirit," such as speaking in tongues and all things "charismatic." Churches split over these issues, and I was confused and a little bit suspicious of those who said 'too much' of The Holy Spirit!

When we consider the role of the Holy Spirit in the Christian life, we often encounter a wide range of responses, from clarity to utter confusion. This is a lamentable situation, as the Holy Spirit is not just a peripheral aspect of our faith, but an integral part. A comprehensive understanding and application of the Christian faith is impossible without a firm grasp of the Holy Spirit's work in this life and the life to come.

There are many passages and teachings about the Holy Spirit in the Bible. Here is a couple that can give us insight about this 'Spirit of God: "You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world." "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that overcomes the world – our faith." I John 4:4, 5:4

In these two verses, John addresses a situation in which false prophets lead others away from true faith in Jesus. These 'false teachers' have the spirit of "the antichrist," which is evil and works against the Gospel. He teaches those early Christians that the Holy Spirit in them was more powerful than the spirit of the antichrist, and they had already beaten down that evil spirit because of God's power in the Holy Spirit! There was no reason to fear the teachings of those false prophets or even the spirit of the antichrist because the Spirit of God had already won the war!

John makes another point in Chapter 5: The victory that overcomes the world is "our faith." Our faith in Jesus, our faith in the crucifixion, the power of God that raised Jesus from the dead, and our faith that has led us to live with the Holy Spirit within us; that is the victory that overcomes the world of evil! Our performance of personal abilities will not determine victory over evil; our faith in the life-giving message of Jesus, at work through the Holy Spirit – will bring the victory that overcomes the world!

The Holy Spirit is not a mystery, though there may be misunderstandings and misuses of the 'gifts of the Spirit.' However, for true believers, it is clear that any manifestation of God's power in a situation is a direct result of the Holy Spirit's movement. This is yet another compelling reason to follow Jesus: God is actively working through his spirit. By following Him in faith and serving the Kingdom of God, we align ourselves with this divine movement.

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God Can Give us a sense of belonging. The best way to support our Ministry is by sharing these videos with your friends and family. We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/ If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/

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talk about what had made a positive difference in their grief process. They were church members, practicing Christians, and began to experience peace when they prayed. Nothing of the situation changed, of course, but their prayers seemed to help. Too, the prayers of their friends began to make a dramatic impact. They said they really couldn’t explain it, but they could “feel” when others were praying for them! Many in their church visited and sat with them for months, talking and praying and sometimes just sitting with them silently. The couple said these times of Christian fellowship were what got them through the darkest hours – they could feel God’s love in those moments, and He began to work in their hearts to calm them, give them peace, and heal their wounds.

The interview was given three years after it had all happened, and the couple, now older and wiser, was able to smile and laugh and enjoy life once again. They still grieved the loss of their son, of course—that will never go away! However, their pain no longer dominated their lives; they had been able to move on, rebuild their lives, and experience joy once again.

What a tragedy! And, even more importantly, what a powerful testament to the power of God’s love at work in people’s lives. This is what God does – He helps us, He heals us, and, ultimately, He loves us through the hard times of our lives. God works through His Spirit, which lives within us, and He works through The Church: Christian friends and a loving, caring body of people to help us.

God loves us all and is there for us, even when we cannot feel Him at work. When we cry out to Him, He is there, doing what only He can do.

If you or someone you know is struggling with something, let me encourage you to trust God and pray to Him. He may not change the situation, but He will work in your life and change your heart—this is what God does!

You can best support our Ministry by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.

We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

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Some time ago, I was walking in a large crowd of people during a local street fair when I encountered a young Latino family. The crown was large and a little loud, and the young mama held her children close. She was calming one, holding another, and keeping up a pleasant chatter with the family, a big smile on her face the whole time. I could not understand what she was saying, as I don’t understand the Spanish language; at the same time, though, I could tell what she was saying to her family: “Calm down, I’m right here beside you;” “Don’t cry, Mama’s got you;” and, finally, I imagined, “Here, hold my hand, and we’ll all stay together.” It was a very sweet picture of a young, loving mother nurturing and protecting her family, letting them know she loved them and that they would be ok as long as they were together.

I have often thought of that young family, especially when I encounter a very different family situation when I am out in public! Not all families are loving and sweet, of course. Some parents allow the emotions and stresses of the moment to cause them to lash out in anger at their children, sometimes speaking hurtful words to their young ones.

Those young mothers started the same, as innocent babies in their mama’s loving arms. And yet, this life on earth changes and distorts us and seems destined to keep us from our best!

The Apostle wrote a letter to a young pastor named Titus and encouraged the young preacher to remind those in his church to remember that they were not always Christians, living a righteous life. Evidently, the Christians, who had grown in the faith and whose lives had improved, had become critical of their neighbors who were still living under the reign of sin in their lives. Paul reminded their pastor to challenge them all by saying, “Remind them to be obedient. . . uncontentious, showing every consideration for all men, for we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.” (3:2-4) He went on to say that Jesus “saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done. . . but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit. . . .” (3:5)

Do you see what Paul was saying? He challenged the Christians to be gracious and kind to sinners because they were just like them before they Jesus saved them! The Christians were in no position to criticize sinners because the only reason they were different was because Jesus had changed them!

This is just one of the great messages of the Gospel – God loves us, even in our sin! And, when we turn from our sin and follow Jesus, He will forgive us, ‘clean us up,’ and help us to live better lives. Our faithfulness defines us, not our sin; because of our faith in Jesus, we have another chance at life!

Jesus can help us after we fall. If you are aware of your sin, which is holding you down in life, let me encourage you to pray to Jesus. Ask him for mercy and forgiveness, and turn your life over to him. He will cleanse your heart, begin the process of rebuilding your life, and shower your life with blessings. This is the wonder of the Gospel!

We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

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A few weeks ago, my wife and I got into our car and pulled out of the driveway, going down the hill. I looked over at Tammy, and, as she looked at her phone, she commented, “Siri, find (the address we were given for an event). Siri said something in her pleasant, annoying, computer-generated voice and gave us directions in a timely fashion for the next hour or so. On our way, I got confused in one of the new Round-a-bouts in K.C., and Siri, without insulting me at all, re-directed us immediately. Even though we had to go through an unfamiliar area to get back ‘on track,’ Siri got us to our destination just a few minutes later than planned. Going home, we did the same thing, and, again, after missing a turn, Siri re-directed us, getting us home without any trouble at all.

I love that woman! (Siri, that is – even though I love my wife, too). We, like you, have repeated this process dozens of times in the past few years, and “Siri” has allowed us to go all over the place without even thinking about it. Amazing!

Don’t you wish we had something like Siri to guide us in the course of our lives? You know, to give us direction in difficult decisions, guide us when we get lost or make mistakes, and ultimately get us where we want to go and live as we want to live?

We do! We who claim Jesus as our Savior and place our faith in his leadership in our lives live with the privilege of guidance from God himself! The direction God gives does not come from any computer-generated personality, though. The ways of faith come as we allow the living God to speak and guide us as we read His Word, follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit, and learn from others in The Church. There are many passages that speak of how God provides us a ‘way’ to live. One such passage is Hebrews 13. Here is a short passage: “Let love of the brethren continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers. . . Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled. . .; and, finally, “Let your character be free from the love of money.”

In one passage, we are taught that God guides us in many situations:

Love people all the time, no matter what.
Be kind and hospitable to all you encounter, especially those from another land.
Make sure you keep your money and possessions in their proper place in your life.

Without too much effort, you can clearly see God’s ways for you! To live this way is more than God just teaching us a sense of obedience to him; instead, our obedience becomes a way that God can use to bless us!

Here is a simple example of how living according to the way of Jesus can allow God to bless you: A person has a good job and makes a solid wage. Great! Suppose he handles that salary according to the ways of Jesus. In that case, he will save a portion, give away a portion, provide for his and his family’s needs, and even have enough to help others. If he avoids debt, his dollars will go further, and if he can control his spending and live within his means, his ‘nest egg’ can grow and lead to greater security. In this example, God’s blessings aren’t a result of God doing something special – God’s blessings are simply the natural result of living according to God’s ways! Suppose the same individual disobeys God by carelessly spending too much on a vehicle or vacation. In that case, God cannot bless those actions. The man will have financial problems and struggle in that area of his life. Blessings come to one who lives according to the ways of God!

Let me encourage you to follow Jesus and live according to God’s ways. Your life will become more stable, and God’s blessings will come your way.

Your support is crucial to our Ministry. By sharing these videos with your loved ones, you are not only spreading the message of God's love but also fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

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If you go to a “DIY” section of any bookstore or Library, you will find a fascinating and entertaining series of books, the titles all beginning with a very similar title: Computing for Dummies, How to Fix Everything for Dummies, Woodworking for Dummies, etc. There are over 30 books in this top-rated series! In fact, the DIY section in most bookstores is often very large – we in our culture have a very strong desire to do things ourselves without hiring someone else to complete a task or fix something broken.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could fix everything in our lives by reading the proper “DIY” book? Unfortunately, many things in our lives may be broken but cannot be addressed by a Do-It-Yourself book. Physical problems that may require surgery, dental work, etc. And, of course, a broken life. Many of us struggle with parts of our lives for years, and these problems resist self-help. We need help!

I am currently preaching a series of messages dealing with ways to answer the question, “Why Should you Follow Jesus?” One of the reasons might be stated: God loves us and wants to Save us.”

That’s right – One of the best reasons to follow Jesus is how God loves us! We are familiar with one of the more familiar passages in John 3: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him.” John 3:16-17

The reason that following Jesus is such a good choice in one’s life is because Jesus is the way to know the God who loves us! By our choices and lifestyles, we are all separated from God. We may pray and receive no help. We might try to ‘straighten ourselves out’ but cannot stick to it. And we might be unable to keep our family together, no matter how hard we try. The God who loves us can help us with those things, and we gain access to His mercy and power through following Jesus as Savior. Here’s another passage from Romans 5 that might help us understand: “But God demonstrates His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us, Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.” (vv.8-9)

When you receive Christ as Savior and follow him with your life, God begins to work in your life! If you let him in, He can change your heart, wash away the guilt you may feel, and even start to change your life as you practice his teachings, found in the Bible. The changes God may bring about will make your life better and enable you to experience what the Bible calls the “blessings” of God.

This offer of new life is for all people, for all time. God loves everyone and wants to bless everyone through His Son, Jesus. Let me encourage you to follow Him today!

You can best support our Ministry by sharing these videos with your friends and family.

We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

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Our nation is currently in a political ‘battle’ to choose a new President. Although some enjoy this experience, most of us rather dread the whole process: One candidate criticizes the other, political parties and followers line up with ‘their’ candidate, and we are forced to endure a seemingly endless number of political speeches, TV commercials, and even cleverly-written bumper stickers. Worst of all, in my opinion, is the continuous pleading of the candidates, each saying essentially the same thing: “Vote for me,”“Join me,” and, finally, “Follow me.”

Of course, we all understand and accept this—we know that people must ‘follow’ others in this life—be they a family member, boss, or even political leader. We function better when we learn that we must all look to others for guidance and leadership! This goes for every area of life, even that of religious faith.

This week, we begin a series of messages dealing with that very issue—the idea that we must learn to follow someone to have a healthy and productive life of faith. The series is entitled “Reasons We Follow Jesus.” For the first week, we focus on the fact that one would do well to follow Jesus because “He is the only God there is.”

Here is a passage where the Apostle Paul makes the case that Jesus is The One God: “And He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation. For by Him, all things were created, visible and invisible in the heavens and on the earth, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – all things have been created by Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:15-17

Paul makes the case here that Jesus was present at the beginning of time and was the ‘creative agent’ that God used to bring about all that exists. God’s power, at work in and through Jesus, formed the raw materials that make up all things, created the laws of physics that order all things in this universe, and then fashioned the raw materials in life and every living thing.

Doesn’t it make sense that if we seek a ‘greater power’ than us, we will worship The One that created us? Why would we look to anyone else for guidance, strength, and comfort?

Here are a few ideas to keep in mind when I say that we should follow Jesus because He is the only God there is:

Jesus, God the Son, was “in the beginning” before all things. No one else ‘created’ Jesus. He is the fullness of Deity.

Because Jesus created us physically, spiritually, and emotionally and designed us to live in relationships with others, He is uniquely qualified to understand and help us. No one else can know us like Jesus!

Finally, Jesus is eternal God, without beginning and end. He is without equal and will exist forever: He will always be there for us!

We follow Jesus because He is The One God. Join us in this faith!

You can best support our Ministry by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.

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Rev Kev is on vacation this week, so Pastor Dave is filling in. He shares a message about how Christians can Live In the World, Not Of It.

You can best support our Ministry by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.

We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/.

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Following Jesus is easy and clear—until it isn't! What I mean by that is when someone first receives Jesus as Savior, the issue is usually very simple: "Do you want to be forgiven of your sins and commit to following Jesus?" The answer is usually, "Yes, I do." However, at some point, when the new convert begins to struggle against the sin that is their life, or they struggle with biblical teachings that challenge them, they begin to realize just how 'extreme' this Christian faith can become!

The 'extreme' nature of the faith occurs in at least two areas of life. First, the beliefs that lead to salvation are quite extreme. We believe that our salvation is based on the truths of the Gospel: God came in the flesh as the infant Jesus and lived a sinless life. When he was about 33 years old, though, he was crucified by the Roman government, buried, and then came back to life after three days in the grave. This was God's way of offering us cleansing from our sins and a chance at a better life now, as well as an eternal life with Him after our life on this earth is over. This is an extreme set of beliefs!

The other area where the faith becomes extreme is how we live our daily lives. God calls us to not only learn some of the spiritual beliefs of the faith but also expects us to live our lives based upon those beliefs! The self-control of our emotions and passions and offering love and forgiveness to others are to be valued by those who follow Jesus. He also calls us to give up part of our lives to serve others in the name of Jesus, help those in need, and proclaim the message of Jesus to anyone who will listen.

This is an extreme faith! It is much more than just "listen and learn." It is also "practice and do!" When we live as God calls us to live, our lives are better. God blesses us, and we can even become a blessing to those around us.

You can best support our Ministry by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.

We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/.

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Several years ago, my wife and I bumped into an old college friend; he was a great guy, and we both liked him very much. He went by a nickname that fit his character, and I could never remember calling him by his proper name. He seemed ok with that, so I had no reason to question the practice. When we ran into this old friend, he was with his young wife, whom we had never met. I walked up to him and called him by the nickname I had always used, and the situation immediately became very awkward. He ignored me entirely and turned to walk away, and his wife, who heard me call out to him, didn’t seem to recognize the name I had used for her husband!

My wife and I were a little hurt, but then we talked about it. My wife, who tends to ‘read’ social situations better than I do, finally concluded that he had likely never liked the nickname and now, as an adult, did not want it to be used. Rather than confronting me, though, he just chose to walk away!

Sometimes, people are known for something and given a name, even though it may no longer ‘fit,’ or they simply don’t like it anymore!

There is a story in the Bible about a man who was nicknamed for one of his actions. If he were alive today, he would be repelled by the nickname he was given. The story is recorded in the Gospel of John, chapter 20.

Jesus called out the disciples from everyday life, and one of them was Thomas. This man was strong and outspoken, but he sometimes tended to be stubborn.

All in all, though, Jesus thought he would make a good disciple. A couple of times, he blurted out something foolish or ‘over the top,’ but nothing that really amounted to anything. And then, just three days after Thomas and the other disciples watched Jesus die on the cross and heard the story of his burial in a tomb by a wealthy man named Joseph, something unimaginable happened. The disciples had gathered together to grieve the loss of their Rabbi, and all of them were there except for Thomas. At some point in their time together, Jesus appeared to them! He had risen from the dead, as he had predicted, and they were amazed and excited and relieved to see Jesus alive. It was a wonderful time for them all!

The next time the disciples gathered, Thomas was there. They told him the good news, and he couldn’t believe it! He was so adamant in his disbelief that he proclaimed, in front of his friends, that unless he could see the wounds on Jesus’ hands, put his fingers in those wounds, and the cut on his stomach, he would not believe! Eight days later, the disciples gathered again, and Jesus appeared to them all. He gave them a greeting common in that day, and then, without wasting any time, turned to Thomas and said, “Reach here your finger, and see My hands, and reach here your hand, and put it into My side; and be not unbelieving, but believing.” (v.27) Thomas was stunned! He looked around and then examined Jesus’ wounds. Without saying anything else, he blurted out, “My Lord and My God!” (v.28). Jesus chastised him a bit, explaining that those who believed without seeing him were blessed. The issue was never addressed in the Bible again. Forever after, in church history, Thomas was given the nickname “Doubting Thomas.”

It was insulting and unfair, to be sure, but the name has ‘stuck’ on this disciple for over 2000 years!

Unfortunately, he has never received the credit he deserved for his life of faithful service because of that one ‘failure of faith.’

“Doubting Thomas” continued to follow Jesus faithfully and ended up in India, where he led hundreds to faith and established many churches up and down the coast in that heavily populated nation.

No one who knew him and served with him would ever have called him by the nickname he still uses today in the Western Church! He is remembered as a strong, passionate, and dynamic minister of the Gospel.

“Doubting Thomas” simply no longer existed!

God works with people who fail, even with disciples who say something foolish in a crisis. God used Thomas, and he can use us as we turn from our sins, allow God to nurture us in our faith, and get to work.

Please join us for worship and praise every Sunday starting at 10:30 AM. We are located at 500 W. Truman Road, Independence, MO.

Our ministry is also reliant on the generosity of our congregation. Please consider contributing online by clicking here: https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/

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I was talking to a good friend recently, and we were lamenting that it was becoming increasingly difficult to believe what our political leaders would tell us. Sometimes, it is obvious they do not understand what they are talking about; sometimes, we get the distinct impression that we are being lied to, even though we cannot prove it. To emphasize that this has happened before, I mentioned a report that recently came out regarding our government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which began in the spring of 2020. The report clarified that many mistakes were made, including false information being passed on to people. Because of this, even more mistakes were made, and people began to lose faith in "the system." The commentator who reported on this then mentioned, almost casually, that it would be long before the people's trust would be gained.

Once you lose someone's trust, it is tough to gain it back!

There are many passages in the Bible where God promises to us.

Sometimes, He promises a blessing if one follows a particular pattern of behavior; other times, He promises to act in certain ways and work to bring about a specific outcome. Whenever He promises to us, He always follows through! God may not do things according to our timetable, but He always makes good on His Word.

The story of Jesus' crucifixion is just such a word. God promised us, in many ways and times, that He would send an anointed one, a 'Messiah,' to come and save humanity from sin. This Messiah would offer himself up as a sacrifice and, in doing so, would pay the price for our sins and make our salvation possible. One such promise comes through the prophet Isaiah: "But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging, we are healed." 53:5 The Apostle Paul, writing to the church at Corinth over 750 years later, wrote of the fulfillment of this promise of God: "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sin according to the Scriptures." 15:3 God kept His word! This has happened hundreds of times in Scripture. Christians often speak of God keeping his word to care for them, protect them, and give them encouragement and strength - just as He promised in a biblical passage.

This week, we will remember Jesus' crucifixion on the cross and be reminded that it fulfilled one of God's promises to us all.

God is a God of His Word! You can trust Him with your life and believe what He says in Scripture. You can base your life on it!

Please join us for worship and praise every Sunday starting at 10:30 AM. We are located at 500 W. Truman Road, Independence, MO.

Our ministry is also reliant on the generosity of our congregation. Please consider contributing online by clicking here: https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/

Thank you for listening. We will see you next week!

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Have you ever heard a story that seemed impossible? The Bible has many such stories!

In one Old Testament book, the book of Jonah, there is the story of a man who was in a boat during a tremendous rainstorm; the situation was so desperate that the sailors on board began to throw everything off the ship to lighten its load and raise it in the water. The man, Jonah, realizing that he was the reason for the storm because of a wrong decision on his part, told the sailors to throw him into the water; they did so, and the storm stopped, and the waters immediately calmed. Instead of drowning, though, Jonah was swallowed by a giant fish; after three days, the fish vomited him up on a nearby beach. What a story! Why in the world would such a story be placed in the Bible, which is considered a religious work that happens to include a history of the Jewish people?

The story of a man swallowed by a big fish who lived to talk about it is an account of how God worked with one of his prophets, Jonah, to reach a people group in a nearby city with his message of forgiveness. Let me explain:

Jonah was a prophet with the Hebrew people when God called him to go and preach a warning of imminent destruction to the people of the city of Nineveh. He was to go and tell the people that their destruction could be avoided if they would turn from their wicked ways and worship the Hebrew God. Jonah refused because he did not like the Ninevites.

They were sinful people, and Jonah, rather than warning them of coming judgment, wanted just to let them die!

He refused God's call, got on a ship, and went as far away as possible; this is where the story of the storm and great fish came from! God had caused the storm to stop Jonah from running away; the great fish was one of God's ways of rescuing him from drowning and giving him a chance to reconsider his choice to run away. Jonah relented while in the fish's stomach and, after being vomited up on a beach, proceeded to Nineveh. He went and warned them of their coming destruction, and, in an act that surprised everyone, the people turned from their sin and became people of faith, thus saving themselves from certain destruction!

This should have made Jonah happy, but instead, it made him angry. He didn't want them to be saved! So, he threw a fit, ran, and hid from God in the desert. God grew a special plant to shade the prophet from the blazing sun to demonstrate the prophet's messed-up priorities. And then, God destroyed the plant, and, predictably, Jonah threw another fit about the plant. God confronted him by saying, and I will paraphrase here, "Jonah, you're so messed up; you care more about a dead plant than you do about the people of Nineveh! I am God and care about all people, not just those you like."

Wow – what a story! And, more importantly, what a great truth that story communicated!

The point of the story was not that God could save Jonah from drowning by using a big fish; the point was that God loved everyone, even the sinful Ninevites, and wanted to save them! Jonah only loved certain people and only certain types of people. Instead of representing the truth of our loving God, he chose to ignore the very message he was to preach: Jonah was a bigot! A bigot rejects and even hates those who are different or from a different group or nation – that was Jonah.

God loves everyone, and he calls his people to do the same. It is a message that can change the world when we live out a truly revolutionary conviction!

You can best support our Ministry by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.

We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

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Sometimes, in times of stress or hardship, we may wonder if God is doing anything!

As a student preacher in college many years ago, I wondered how God would get me into a church. I didn’t know much, I wasn’t connected to influential people, and I was struggling with deciding which Seminary I would attend to finish my education. I was slightly afraid of the whole thing. I even wondered if I had correctly discerned God’s call on my life into the preaching ministry. Looking back, though, I can now see the ways that God was working!

While this was all happening, the long-term Pastor in my home church retired, and some new guy was there – a total stranger! He attended my wedding, one of his first events as the new Pastor. We talked for a little bit and immediately became friends. He questioned my life plans and even made it a point to speak to my new bride. He was just a nice, average person who happened to be a preacher -or so I thought! In just a few months, this new friend that God had brought into my life greatly impacted my life.

In the months after the wedding, my new friend investigated the churches around my home church and found a small church without a pastor. He made a few phone calls on my behalf and then called me one evening.

He told me he had found a small church that needed a pastor and wondered if I would be interested. I was astounded that he had done this for me!

One thing led to another, and just a couple of months later, that small church called me as their Pastor. We eventually moved from the college town we lived in for five years into the church’s parsonage. For the next three years, I practiced the craft of preaching, made good friends, learned to lead a church, and, to top it all off, decided to attend a seminary within an easy driving distance from my church. God was working! He worked through a man God had brought into my contacts; He worked through my new friend’s desire to help a young, unproven preacher student get into a church. He worked through those first few years of my service as a Pastor and attending a Seminary to shape me for the next 40 years of Ministry.

Looking back at my story, I am reminded that God is working—even when you don’t realize it! This is one of the great messages of the Bible, and it is particularly evident in the Book of Esther.

Esther was just a young girl in the city of Susa, but God had plans for her. She ended up the wife of the King and earned the title “Queen Esther.”

She worked in a corrupt and terrifying system to make a good life and even save her Jewish relatives from annihilation.

She is remembered fondly by those of the Jewish faith and is a testament to the truth that God is at work, even when you may not realize it at the time. God used a young woman and her cousin, Mordecai, to save his people. All they did was place their faith in God’s direction, and He did all the rest!

Let me encourage you to allow God to work in your life. Ask and pray for guidance from Him, and when you sense his leadership, follow him in faith. He will guide your steps and give you a life you could never imagine.

You can best support our Ministry by sharing these podcast with your friends and family.

We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

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The story could have been taken from today’s tabloids – it was so bizarre and unbelievable!

There were two prostitutes living together in a dirty, run-down part of town. Both were pregnant and finally gave birth just a few days apart. Everything was going as well as they could, considering their miserable circumstances. One night, though, one of the women rolled over in bed on her baby, suffocating it.

She woke up in horror the following day and was terribly distraught – her baby was dead! But then, in an instant, the sound of her friend’s baby, sleeping in a nearby room, gave her an idea: she would take her dead child, wrapped in her blanket, and sneak into her friend’s room. There, she would switch her lifeless child for the live one – surely the other woman would not notice! She would claim that it was the other woman’s baby that had died in her sleep, and the now lifeless child was hers! It seemed like a good plan, and it worked – until morning!

In the darkness of the early dawn, the other woman awoke to find the dead child in her bed – she was so distraught! But then, as light filled the room, she recognized the child – it was her friend’s baby!

She immediately figured out what had happened and thus began the fight of her life for her child!

There was no way the other woman would admit to the switch – a baby was at stake! So, they took the case to court before King Solomon. He was already known as a wise and fair judge – he would fix this! Solomon heard their emotional plea – the one whose child had been stolen was distraught, and the other, who had made the switch, was enraged with her accusations!

The crowd hung on this story – what would the wise king do? How would he know which woman was lying? He considered the circumstances and considered the women and their demeanor as they told their stories. Then, he prayed to God for wisdom. Finally, he announced: “Bring me a sword!” He explained that because neither would relent, he would have the child cut in two – each woman would have to be satisfied with one-half of a now-dead child. In horror, the mother of the baby pleaded with the king and asked him to give her baby to the other woman. She explained that she would instead give up the child and have it live with the other woman rather than be killed. The other woman, surprisingly, cried out for the king to cut up the child and be done!

This final word helped King Solomon decide; he ordered the baby to be given to the mother who wanted to save the child. He understood that only the true mother would do anything to keep the child’s life – even if it meant the child would be given to another woman.

The crowd was amazed, and this story made news for years! In fact, over time, Solomon became known as one who had been given a special gift of wisdom from the One God – and people traveled from all over the world to hear him speak.

That is quite a story, isn’t it? There is at least one great truth we can glean from this story. When we consider how God moved in Solomon’s life, we learn that the God who loves us can give us the wisdom to face the circumstances of this life. We can pray to God and ask for wisdom and guidance, and He will, in some way, help us do the right and good things. We do not have to live at the mercy of our emotions or the schemes of those around us. God can help us think, discern the truth, and make a decision that will enable God to work with us and guide us through whatever troubles us.

Wisdom is a gift that God can give to those who trust in Him.

You can best support our Ministry by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.

We also need your financial contributions to make our ministries possible. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

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I am so glad God changes people and puts them to work in His Church!

Several years ago, our praise team needed a drummer in a church where I served as Pastor. These are not easy to find, especially for a Sunday morning ‘gig!’ We played for several months without one, as our drummer, who had played with us for several years, had graduated from High School and gone off to college. Finally, a woman who had started visiting our church told me about her husband. He had been a drummer for many years, playing in bars and ‘honky-tonks,’ and had recently received Christ as Savior. He didn’t seem to ‘fit’ in any church they had visited, and she was worried about him falling away. I set up a time to visit him, and we quickly became friends.

I asked him if he would be interested in playing drums for our Praise Team, and he said he would try it – but he was very non-committal, unsure he would like our church.

Mike showed up at practice the next week and immediately fit in with our group! He was an excellent drummer and a very kind and gracious person who loved his family and wanted to get involved in a church but didn’t know how.

He played with us for the next several years, sharing bits of musical wisdom gained through years of experience. He taught us, made us laugh with his ‘honky-tonk’ stories, and helped us in a way no one else could have at that time. Too, he learned from us a set of values and beliefs he had not heard before and grew in his faith. He and his entire family were involved in our church until the sons grew up and moved on, and they are still involved in the faith.

It is incredible, isn’t it? God uses people – not just the good people or the ‘religious’ people, but people of faith who respond to His call to service!

There is a Bible story of a woman, Rahab, who had lived as a prostitute in the city of Jericho. She was not a believer but had heard stories of the Hebrew God, who had blessed them and helped them escape from Egypt, where they were held as slaves.

When spies from the Hebrew army came to her house and asked for help as they ‘scouted out’ the city for an attack, she responded in faith and hid them from the city’s police. She helped them for days and even misled the police when they came to her house, looking for the Hebrew spies. As a reward for her service, they promised to spare her and her family when they attacked the city.

On the day of the attack, Rahab hung a red rope out of her window. This was a signal to the Hebrew warriors, who had been told to kill everyone in the city except the family out of whose window the red rope hung. Afterward, Rahab, who gave up her life as a prostitute and the rest of her family, lived with the Hebrew people and adopted their faith in The One God. One of her descendants, Joseph, was married many years later to a woman named Mary, who had a son they named Jesus. Yes, that Jesus is the Son of God, Messiah, and Savior of the world.

Rahab, a former prostitute, was used by God to bring about the Savior of the world!

Indeed, God uses people! People with faith who will follow Him. Regardless of past sins or circumstances, when we place our faith in God and listen to His call for service, He can use us for his will to do great things! Let us all learn the eternal truth from this story and from Rahab herself – God uses people to bring about His will!

You can best support our Ministry by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.

We also need your financial contributions to make our ministries possible. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

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While a student in 'Preacher School' many years ago, a guest speaker said something that we young preachers were very pleased to hear. In a sermon dealing with personal devotion, he said, with great conviction, this statement: "God will never use someone who has sin in their lives." We almost cheered! We were young and enthusiastic and often encountered people struggling in their battle against sin. We wanted to preach the truth, and at that very early stage in our ministry, we all wanted to confront sinners and challenge them in their sins. But then, as I had time to think about that statement, it occurred to me – That statement wasn't true! I wanted to believe that God would punish sin. I tried to lead people to reject their sinful lives and follow Jesus, but it occurred to me: If God would not use people with sin in their lives, who would He use? Everyone has sin in their lives!

The more I read and studied, the more I realized that God was working to bring about His will in many ways – but God's ways always included Him working through the lives of sinful people! Of course, they were doing their best, but their best sometimes wasn't very good. God used them anyway! Others were not trying to live with faith at all, yet God used even them!

Many stories in the scriptures teach us this truth. The story of Joseph is one such story. Joseph was Jacob's twelfth son and was his father's favorite. He swaggered around, harassing his brothers, and would often 'snitch' on them when they did something their father would not like. Joseph even detailed his dreams that showed that his family would bow down to him in the coming years. It was unbearable for the brothers! Finally, they could take it no more. They sold him into slavery, made up a story to cover their evil, and forgot all about him. This is where Joseph's story takes a turn!

Joseph went from being a slave to being a respected house steward and then to prison on false charges of rape. He ended up managing the jail and demonstrated an ability to interpret dreams. After several years, he ended up in front of Pharoah, the Egyptian king, who helped him make sense of some bizarre dreams he had been having. After explaining things to Pharoah, the King placed Joseph in charge of the whole nation's food supply – it was almost miraculous! Finally, as an end to the story, Joseph's family came to Egypt for food during a drought. He recognized them, of course, and forgave them for their evil against him. They brought the entire family to live in Egypt and came to know and love Joseph. God blessed them with many children and a huge extended family. This was the beginning of the Israelites in Egypt, from which came the Exodus experience centuries later.

God used this long story, with its many twists and turns, to form his people and bring about the nation of Israel! Think about the list of characters that God used: Joseph's jealous brothers, Egyptian slave owners and a lustful, lying woman, criminals in prison, and, finally, the leader of a pagan nation; sinners all but used God to bring about His will!

God is sovereign. He uses everything at his disposal to bring about His plan and never gives up.

He uses people who sin – people like you and me, every day. Nothing can stop Him!

Let me encourage you to place your faith in the God who loves you as you are and will use you to do His great will. Joseph and his family discovered that God has a plan for every situation and wants us to be involved, even when we are imperfect!

You can best support our ministry by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.

We also need your financial contributions to make our ministries possible. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

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Have you ever noticed that many Bible stories contain great ‘life lessons?’

I am beginning a series of messages about how God uses people to do great things. The list is long, of course, of great stories in the Bible, and many of the stories have a ‘star’ in the center: a man or woman of faith who responded to God’s call in a time of crisis. I began with the story of Noah and the great flood.

You no doubt remember the story: In the days after the Fall of man and expulsion from the garden, humanity grew to populate the earth. (The one thing they did according to God!) Unfortunately, man turned his back on God and his ways and quickly devolved into what is described as almost animal-like behavior: Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Genesis 6:5

God searched the earth and only found one righteous man, Noah. He and his wife and three sons were living quietly, following God, and earning their living. God called them into service and asked them to build a giant ship called an “Ark,” when the time came, animal kingdom representatives would come on the Ark. Then, Noah and his family would be closed into the Ark, and floodwaters would cover the earth. All others would be destroyed; only the animals and Noah and his family would survive!

Noah and his family obeyed God and worked for many years to build this great ship. He was mocked and ridiculed by all who knew him and saw the great ship he was building; his faith and obedience to God proved to cause him great pain! But then the waters came and swallowed the earth – everyone died. It was an act of profound judgment by God! Finally, the waters receded, and the Ark was opened. Noah and his family, instructed to “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth,” went about the task of rebuilding their lives and serving God. Genesis 9:1 The story ends with God offering a covenant with Noah and the new humanity, stating that God would never again destroy man with a great flood. The rainbow was given as a sign so that all would remember that God punished sin and took the issue seriously. The offer of grace, using the Ark, as directed by God, was also a key feature of the story. The Ark was a sign that demonstrated God’s mercy and his patience and concern for sinful man.

What a great story, and what a wonder that an ordinary man of faith, with great conviction, can serve God in a way that forever alters the course of humanity! This story is full of eternal truths for us to consider:

God cares for sinful humanity; God, who is concerned for justice, must judge sin; God offers us mercy and forgiveness simply because of his loving and gracious character; and, finally, God can perform wonderful, marvelous, and eternally life-changing things through the service of his people of faith. Wow!

Let me challenge you to consider these great lessons and follow the God who loves you and invites you to serve him in a way that helps others and enriches your life.

You can best support our Ministry by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.

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Just last week, I attended one of my grandson’s basketball games – it was sheer joy! My grandson is a tall boy for seven years and talks a big game when the subject of basketball comes up.

He just knows he’s going to be a big star when he grows up and that his height will be a major plus for him. (His father is 6’7”, so he has a good idea that he will be very tall when grown).

After hearing him talk and knowing how much he wanted us to come to see him play, I just knew I was going to be impressed and walk out of the gym, glowing with pride in my grandson’s abilities and future on the court!

The game was a blast to watch! My grandson ran and jumped and even made a basket.

He was so excited when he made the basket that he forgot all about the game and simply stood in the middle of the court looking our way, making sure we saw what he had done. The players got the rebound and ran down the court, and my grandson, still excited and beaming with pride, completely missed the next play. We laughed and laughed! The rest of the game was similar – my grandson ran with the ball (sometimes!). He occasionally got confused and ran in the wrong direction. Sometimes, he played defense when he was supposed to play offense; over and again, he stood and watched the game, forgetting that he was supposed to be going after the ball; it was hilarious! He was doing his best, of course; it was just that, right now, his best wasn’t making his coach very happy – but he was bringing great joy to our hearts. He wasn’t the best on the court (yet), but he was playing hard, giving it all he had, and we were so proud of him! When the game was over, we yelled and hugged and said over and over to the budding athlete, “Good job!”

The reason I tell you this story is because my grandson was doing his best – he was being a ‘good steward’ of his gifts and abilities and a ‘good steward’ of his life.

In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 12, Jesus tells a parable about one that he called a “sensible steward.” He said this, “Who then is the faithful and sensible steward, whom his master will put in charge of his servants, to give them their rations at the proper time? Blessed is that slave when his master finds so doing when he comes.” vv.42-43 In Jesus’ day, a ‘steward’ had extraordinary abilities in managing a business or a wealthy man’s estate. Often a slave, this person served in a position of great honor and importance. In terms of power and authority, stewards were usually number 2 in the household, just under the owner!

Jesus was explaining to his followers that He wanted them to be ‘sensible stewards’ of all that God had given them. Money, talents, abilities, intellect, even their very lives – it was all a gift from God to be used well and for God’s Kingdom! Moreover, when a Christ-follower lived as a sensible steward, God would bless them in ways they could never anticipate!

Living your life as a ‘sensible steward’ means that you discern the gifts that God has placed into your life, such as a particular talent or ability or even material possessions, and develop and use those gifts to serve God and his kingdom. The message of the Gospel will be shared, people’s needs will be met, and God will be glorified.

Let me encourage all here to choose to become a ‘sensible steward.’ God will use you and bless you. And, you will please your Father-God and make him so proud of you. You might even hear him say, “Good job,” just like my grandson!

The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.

We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

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For the last few weeks, I’ve spoken about ‘Scary Church;’ these churches failed their members by not teaching them proper biblical teachings and practices and not leading them in the past of discipleship. These were ‘scary churches’ because the Christians were either uninterested or incapable of sharing their faith and representing their faith in the presence of others!

Today, though, I will talk to you about a different type of ‘scary’ church – a church that takes its responsibilities of training Christians seriously and leading them on a path of discipleship, and service. Let me begin with a true story, as told by a popular campus minister several years ago:

In the past, William Willimon, the Campus Minister at Duke Ministry, told of an intense phone call with a student’s father. The father had complained that his daughter, a bright student with a bright future in the business world, had decided to change her life’s plan and become a missionary to Haiti, an impoverished nation between Cuba and the Dominican Republic. He screamed in anger, “I hold you responsible for this!” What follows is a brief recounting of the conversation:

Willimon asked him, “Why me?” The father stated clearly, “Because you ingratiated yourself and filled her mind with all this religious stuff.” The minister asked the father, “Sir, weren’t you the one who had her baptized?” He replied, “Well, well, well, yes.” “And didn’t you take her to Sunday School when she was a little girl?” “Well, well, yes.” “And didn’t you allow your daughter to go on those youth group ski trips to Colorado in high school?” “Yes. . . what does that have to do with anything?” “Sir, you’re the reason she’s throwing it all away. You introduced her to Jesus. Not Me!” The exasperated father exclaimed at this, “But all we wanted was a Presbyterian.”

The minister closed the conversation by saying, “Well, sorry, sir, you messed up. You’ve gone and made a disciple!”

That is the result of a ‘scary’ church! An individual who takes their faith seriously seeks God’s call on their life and then, if necessary, sacrifices their former plans to follow God’s leading – no matter what!

That is the result of a scary church, and that is the result of a scary faith – a faith that disrupts one’s life plans and leads them to a life of sacrifice, and service. . . and blessing! Jesus said this in one of his sermons, in Matthew 10:37 ff: “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.

And he who does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.

He who has found his life shall lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake shall find it.”

Jesus fully intended for us to be a part of a scary church that taught us to follow Him and to become a scary Christian who would stop at nothing to follow Him. History has shown that scary Christians are an often unstoppable force behind some of God's greatest movements in history! Let us all be diligent in the practice of our faith and choose to be obedient to God’s call every day.

You can best support our Ministry by sharing these videos with your friends and family.

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Several years ago, I mentioned in a sermon that I liked to keep old service manuals for all my vehicles. I used them often and wanted to keep them in case another similar vehicle needed service. I mentioned this fact in a sermon because I likened the Bible to a ‘service’ manual for living the Christian life. We needed to read and study it and, at times, go over it word-for-word to help us ‘fix’ a problem or at least recognize that something needed to be done.

Interestingly, later that week, I had a call from one of the deacons in our church who had heard me mention several of the old manuals I kept in my garage; he asked me if I still had the manual and could borrow it!

Even though the manual was several decades old, my deacon friend had a vehicle that would be covered in that book, and he needed help figuring out a problem. Of course, I loaned it to him, enabling him to fix his old vehicle.

(He asked me if I would sell the manual to him; I explained with a smile, “No Way!” We both had a good laugh and, for a long time, would talk about old vehicles and the old manuals that went with them).

My approach to vehicle and appliance manuals is

one that can be applied to our Bibles!

The Bible contains good information about God, man, and the predicaments we get ourselves into.

There are also many instances where, if we pay attention to what God teaches us in scripture, our lives will be better, and we might even be able to avoid some of the negative experiences that others have in their lives.

In one passage in the Bible, the Apostle Paul was writing a letter to a young pastor who was facing a congregation struggling with sin, bad habits, and the struggles that can come to those who resist godly counsel. Paul told this young pastor, “But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them and that from childhood, you have known the sacred writings that can give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus.” II Timothy 3:13-15

Paul was acutely aware of how people would often choose to live and suffer for their actions. So, he encouraged the young pastor to be strong in his faith and keep up teaching biblical teachings, showing his people how to apply spiritual truth to their lives. When they did this, their lives would be better, their relationships would generally improve, and God would be more likely to bless their lives.

We are currently in a sermon series entitled, ‘A Scary Church,’ and I think that a church that doesn’t try to teach God’s Word may be scary! Not because the people there are bad or sinful, but because if the Word of God is not taught and applied in people’s lives, the results can be terrifying!

Let me encourage you to study the Word of God and learn to think “Christian” and live “Christian” daily. You will be different, your life will be better, and God will bless your life!

You can best support our Ministry by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.

We also need your financial contributions to make our ministries possible. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

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I had a conversation with a young mother recently that gave me pause.

The young woman, a successful entrepreneur and mother, expressed her concern about her two young children, ages 3 and 10. They were bright, healthy, and seemed okay but had no interest in school, reading, or books. They played on their electronic devices for hours at a time and were doing "ok" in their classes at school. Her concern was that something was wrong with them and that they would not do well in school in the future if something did not change. I assured her that her children seemed bright and would do well if she nurtured and encouraged them in their development.

The mother's face brightened, and she asked me what I thought she could do to help her kids because, as she said, she "really wanted them to do well in school." I then asked her how often she reads to her children and if she has ever tried to create a 'learning environment' for her kids. When she asked what that meant, I explained that a learning environment included several things. Here are a few of the things I mentioned to her: A house with books the kids could read and look at in various places around the house; A structured time, several times a week, where they would all sit in the same room and look at books, and practice reading, and even making regular trips to the library, to check out age-appropriate books for the children to read. I said that one of the most important things she could do was to read to her kids regularly: children's books, Bible stories, and even stories from American history that would interest them and even lead them to ask questions. As I spoke, her forehead wrinkled up, and she made it clear she was not interested in these activities. She said she did not like to read herself and would instead just let the kids figure things out on their own as they watched learning games on their iPads or computers. I was flabbergasted!

The sad truth is, if kids are not encouraged to learn and read, they probably will not! Parents are to value their children's development and work to encourage, teach, and expose them to good influences. It takes years for a parent to nurture their children! It is just one part of a caring mother or father's role in preparing their kids for life after childhood!

Interestingly, as I heard myself explain this to my young friend, I thought of how any good church functions. More than just a place to worship God and pray, a healthy church is a place that nurtures its people, teaches them what the scriptures teach and how to apply those teachings to life, and encourages them to develop in the practice of their faith! Here is one passage that comes to mind:

Speaking of the people God has brought into the faith, Paul says this: "And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers. . . As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ." Ephesians 4:11-14

This is God's plan for the church; it is the way Father – God has determined to raise his people, who have pledged to live as followers of Jesus!

A healthy church will take this seriously and will produce 'children' who can read and understand scripture, think for themselves, and resist the cultural trends and temptations they might encounter in our sin-tainted world. It is not an easy task, but when taken seriously, it is a task that can produce young men and women who can live out their faith in a way that honors God, helps them in this life, and enables others to discover that life that is in Jesus.

A church that does not take this seriously but instead spends its energies on entertainment and making people feel good is a dangerous church. It leaves its people helpless in their battle against sin and unaware of the spiritual dangers of this world.

Let us all learn, develop our faith, and face this world with faith!

You can best support our Ministry by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.

We also need your financial contributions to make our ministries possible. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

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We always want everyone to be happy – especially in the Christmas season!

We hope and pray that people are healthy, that no families will experience the loss of loved ones or accidents during this time of celebration, that children, especially, receive gifts that give them joy, and that they will be safe and secure with their families.

We want that to be the case – but it does not always happen, does it? In my small circle of concern, involving my family and friends, my church congregation, and the families that attend our Child Care ministry, I see a mix of good and bad experiences in life.

Some are healthy and happy, but there are others: one family is struggling to recover from the loss of their father earlier this year; another family bears the burden of their young mother’s struggle with life-threatening cancer, and the miserable treatments that now drain her of all her energy. Sadly, in the last two weeks, we have experienced the loss of 3 members in our church to the ravages of cancer and old age.

This is all to say that no matter who you are or your age or faith, life on this earth can be challenging! And, no matter how hard you try to ‘keep it together’ and do everything right, chaos sometimes comes into our lives, and we are left to deal with it! This is how Joseph and Mary felt as they experienced the events surrounding Jesus’ birth.

Mary was very young and unmarried, yet she was with child. There was fear and uncertainty, of course, and let us not forget that people in small towns gossip and judge! Joseph’s family probably wanted him to get rid of his young and pregnant bride-to-be, but he was committed to her. And then, on top of this situation, the government decreed that he and others would make the journey to their family’s hometown, which in Joseph’s case meant a walk with a pregnant young girl nearly 90 miles over rugged terrain!

There were visits from strangers after Jesus was born, both shepherds and Magi from another land, and then the warning that came in a dream to Joseph – get out of town, now! Herod, their ruler, wanted to kill the baby Jesus because he was supposedly the young “King of the Jews,” and therefore, a threat to Herod!

They had to pack their bags, leave for Egypt, an unfamiliar land, and wait for word of Herod’s death; then, they could go home. Talk about chaos!

Amazingly, though, God got them through it.

They trusted and followed God’s plans and instructions for their lives, and they lived for many years and saw the fulfillment of the life of Jesus in both his death and resurrection. And in this life of chaos and uncertainty, they experienced God at work and felt the peace that only God could give.

This is just one of the great messages of the Advent Season! No matter how hard life is or what one’s circumstances are, God can work and bring about a sense of peace, purpose, and even security. Here is how the Apostle Paul spoke of this great truth just a few years after the resurrection. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

As we go through the final days of the Advent Season and enter with hope and anticipation the new year, let us approach what comes with faith. God can help us and give us peace that defies explanation. God is with us!

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I guess my two youngest grandchildren said it best when asked what Christmas is all about: “Christmas is all about Jesus, and Santa Claus and decorations, and presents. And then, screaming while jumping up and down and with big smiles on their faces, ‘Christmas is about presents!’”

For a lot of us, the idea of presents seems to dominate most of our thoughts and actions during the Christmas season. We think about what we will buy, who we will buy for, how much we can or should spend, and then we sometimes worry if we have gotten the right gifts or the big question, “How am I going to pay for all these gifts?” It’s gotten a little out of hand if you ask me!

This Christmas season, let’s talk about the subject of Christmas gifts from a very different perspective. Instead of discussing what we will purchase for others, let’s discuss the ‘gifts of Christmas’ first mentioned in the Bible. You know, the event that started it all! Here is a short passage from the story of the Wise Men’s visit to the Christ-child: “And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary, His mother; and they fell and worshiped Him; and opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11 These scholars and philosophers visited Jesus from a land far from Bethlehem; they did not understand everything about Jesus, but they knew He was a gift from God and would change the world. So, they brought him valuable gifts, perfect gifts, rich with meaning.

The gift of gold symbolized Kingship on earth.

Jesus was ‘King of the Jews,’ and they recognized his royal stature. He is the Eternal King overall, seated at the right hand of God on his throne. The gift of frankincense (a popular incense) was taken as a symbol of deity. Jesus was Messiah, the anointed one from God.

Christians later were taught by God that Jesus was ‘God in the flesh,’ “fully God and fully man.” The last gift of these Magi was an embalming oil, myrrh, which symbolized his coming death as part of his mission to earth. It was later understood that Jesus would conquer death through his resurrection; death would no longer be something to fear; it would also not be able to hold anyone down!

Other gifts have come out of the story of Jesus’ birth. We can call them “The Gifts of Christmas.” The first was a gift from God and was God’s greatest act of love.

God sent Jesus to us all to love and teach us but also to die for us. This loving gift offers us our salvation and eternal life – it could only come from God! Another gift of Christmas is the gift of grace, God’s favor towards us. God not only loves us; out of that love, He acts to save us, bless us, and give us hope – in this life and in the life to come.

The final gift of Christmas was a gift of ultimate value. The magi started it with their expensive gifts, ascribing great worth and value to Jesus. God wanted us to understand that He valued us so much that He would give the ultimate gift of Jesus to save us!

Let us all receive, with a thankful heart, the gifts of Christmas! These gifts come from God, who loves us and has given us the best and the most perfect gift. It is a gift of life, joy, and hope.

“Merry Christmas!”

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When I was a fresh-faced kid in our local Boy Scout troop, my first camp-out came in early December. The leaders told us to "be prepared," so to me, that meant wearing a coat, bringing gloves, and buying the cheapest sleeping bag I could find. What a mistake!

That weekend's weather turned freezing, with a light covering of snow on top. I was freezing and found comfort only when standing beside the campfire. I couldn't wait to go to bed, knowing I would be warm and cozy in my new sleeping bag.

Much to my surprise, my new bag was not warm at all! It felt all warm and fuzzy at home on my bed, but it was worthless that first cold night in the tent! I literally shivered all night, and before the night was over, I had put all my clothes back on, including my coal. I was miserable, a bit afraid, and missed by Mom and Dad!

The next night was better: I borrowed a couple of blankets from a friend who had brought extras, put on extra socks, filled my pillowcase with rocks, and heated it in the campfire. I was much warmer that night and slept well. The warmth had made all the difference in the world!

There is a story in the Bible of a young couple who had an experience similar to how they felt. Mary and Joseph were engaged and had to make a trip to Bethlehem to take part in the government-mandated census. The night air in the desert was chilly; they were apart from their family and were afraid, as Mary was due to have her first child. They spent their nights in a stable with some animals, as all the rentals were full. Joseph did his best to comfort Mary and keep her comfortable and may have been able to build a small for warmth. It was a challenging situation! However, God worked to change things and comfort them during the night.

Mary had her baby, the baby Jesus, and the light and warmth of God's presence gave them peace and comfort. By morning, Mary was snuggled in bed with her new baby, the Christ-Child, and Joseph was thankful that God had blessed them as He had. They were in a cold place and afraid, but they had hope – they had made it through the night, their son was born, and he and his mother were healthy, and they both realized – despite the cold and darkness of the world, God had given them warmth and comfort, and hope for the future.

The story of the birth of Jesus is more than just a story of a child's birth, of course; it can also serve as a sort of 'parable' of our experiences on this earth. No matter how hard we try, we can find ourselves in difficult situations, feeling cold and even slightly afraid. These circumstances can come because of mistakes or choices on our part or someone else's actions; even a simple accident can affect us!

But, when we turn to God in prayer and trust Him to get us through, He has a way of giving us guidance and direction; sometimes, He even works to change the situation and encourage us somehow! When He does this, we can feel the warmth of his presence and experience His power at work in our lives. And, just like Joseph and Mary, we can gain a new perspective on our lives based on God's gracious and loving acts in our lives.

This Christmas, if you find yourself struggling with something and feeling alone in what can be a very cold world, turn to God and invite Him to work. He will be there for you and give you hope!

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I am sure you have noticed how people act when ‘someone special’ walks into the room; it is something to see! This has recently been demonstrated as the wildly popular singer Taylor Swift has made a few appearances during Kansas City Chiefs football games. Swift, as you probably know, has been dating a Chiefs player, Travis Kelce, and has appeared at several of his games. She has been seen with Travis in various events and places and with the wife of the Chief’s quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. People have gone crazy! NFL viewership and ticket sales have gone up, searches on the Internet about Kelse and the Chiefs have numbered in the millions, and it seems that even Chiefs fans have gotten caught up in the excitement – just because a famous singer has visited!

I am not a big fan of Swift’s music, but many are. What interests me is the thrill of so many to know that ‘she might be here’ or to catch a glimpse of her, seated with Kelce’s mother or Mahome’s wife, almost a hundred yards away. Amazing!

One of the things that came to mind as all this was going on was that, in a very real way, mankind experienced a visit from someone even more special than Taylor Swift, especially many years ago. I am thinking of the visit of Jesus, the Christ-child, which began one cold desert evening in Bethlehem and lasted just over 33 years. Think about it: Jesus was literally “God in the flesh.” He had been with Father God in eternity and was God’s active agent (think ‘right-hand man’) in creation, and he came to draw man back to God. He was someone special!

This ‘Divine Visit’ of Jesus was more than just a high-class “meet and greet,” though. Jesus came to express God’s love to man in a way that could not be missed.

He healed the sick, made the blind see and the lame walk, and helped people sense the Spirit of God at work in this world. He was incredible! Unfortunately, though, many were offended by his presence and teachings, his utter dismissal of positions of power and influence, and what often passes for things of high value on this earth. Instead, Jesus taught people to be humble, gracious, loving, generous, and forgiving of all they encounter. He showed them how to treat the lowly and downtrodden and clarified that the ‘ways of man’ were seldom in line with the ‘ways of God.’ Finally, Jesus was murdered by those in power! They lied about him, beat him, rigged a court action against him, and hung him on a cross, a death reserved for those who were deemed evil and dangerous. Three days later, of course, was the resurrection! This event demonstrated God’s power over man, the governments of man, and of death itself. God brought him back from the dead as an act of victory: Jesus had won the battle of good versus evil!

That was quite a visit! Interestingly, to this day, hundreds of millions of Christ-followers gather every week to worship the man Jesus, this ‘God in the flesh’ who visited earth. Christians gather on Christmas to celebrate his birth and on Easter to celebrate his resurrection. His visit really was a wonderful thing!

This Christmas season, let us all take a moment to celebrate the ‘Divine Visit’ that was the birth, life and death, and resurrection of Jesus. His ‘Divine Visit’ really was special!

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I recently purchased a pickup from an individual in a neighboring community, and all went well. I took a test drive, looked over the vehicle, agreed on a price, and shook hands on the purchase. Then, after I had made the necessary financial arrangements, we signed papers, filled out forms, and transferred the cash from my hands to his. All in all, it was a good process, and everybody won.

He delivered a good product, and I paid him the agreed-upon money. As the children’s stories say, “And we all lived happily ever after!”

That is the way things are done, isn’t it? Interestingly, it has almost always been that way. The process of contracts and treaties has been around for thousands of years in one form or another, and when you follow the contract terms, everything is good. This goes for individuals, companies, states, and even nations. A contract is negotiated, terms are agreed upon, and everyone benefits!

This is similar to how God comes to us, offering us a way of life that comes with terms and ‘payment,’ even though there are no papers to consider!

In the Old Testament, God came to Abraham and offered him a covenant – something similar to a contract but more involved. God told Abraham that he would bless Abraham with a son, Isaac. Then, there would be an untold number of descendants and even the gift of a valuable piece of land. The challenge of this ‘Abrahamic Covenant’ required Abraham and his descendants to be faithful and loyal to God, make the necessary sacrifices, and follow his instructions for their lives. It seemed promising, of course, but there was one problem: Abraham and his descendants were not faithful and obedient to God!

The Covenant failed because people ‘broke the rules’ and went after other gods.

God understood that the old Covenant would never work because it depended on man’s efforts and obedience. So, in His wisdom, God offered another covenant, a ‘New Covenant,’ in which God did all the work – man needed only to receive it! This new Covenant was provided through Jesus and was made possible by Jesus’s sacrifice, death on the cross, and his perfect obedience to God. Jesus even references this Covenant when he spoke at the last meal he shared before his crucifixion. He said, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.” Matthew 8:28 Jesus understood and taught that his sacrifice on the cross was the basis for a new covenant that would replace the Abrahamic Covenant and be made available to anyone who wanted to enter a saving relationship with God!

This ‘New Covenant’ is not dependent upon our works and performance: it was to be based entirely upon God’s work of salvation through his son, Jesus, whose death made the payment for our sin. We must only receive the gift of forgiveness and new life from God. A life of faithfulness does not ‘earn’ us anything: we are to live for Christ to honor God, and share the message of Jesus to all who will listen. As Paul explained in a letter to the Ephesian church, “For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, that no one should boast.” 2:8-9.

There will always be contracts and agreements in this life, but the one agreement that can forever change your life is the New Covenant, offered to us through Jesus, God’s only son. Let me encourage you to trust God, receive the gift of new life, and enter the Covenant given by God himself!

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When I was a very young child, I would guess I was 7-8 years old; I heard my preacher say in a sermon, "If you're going to be the Christian God wants you to be, you have to stand on the Word of God." I thought that sounded good, even though I was not a Christian yet. I took that statement to mean that the Bible was very important and that there was something magical about 'standing on the Bible.' So, because I wanted to do what God wanted when it came time for the last song during the service, we all stood - with me standing on my Bible! I did not really understand what I was doing (I was just a child, after all), but that was an important part of my faith development because, on that day, it was established in my mind the notion that I needed to base my life on the Bible!

Fast forward 55 years or so, and I look back on a life dramatically affected by the Bible. The teachings God has given us in the Bible have encouraged and strengthened me, guided me in many of my life's decisions, and served me and my family well. In short, I am a better man, pastor, husband, father, (and grandfather!) because of my commitment to the teachings in the Bible and the Christ who is literally on every page. It has easily become the most important book in my life!

Interestingly, this Bible is, as modern Christians might say, "all about Jesus." The New Testament books, obviously, but even the Old Testament. As I said earlier, Jesus, the Christ, is on every page, even in the Old Testament!

Let me explain: In the New Testament, we have the record of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem and of the way he grew and developed into the man Jesus, whom we know as 'Messiah.' He grew and developed, and when he walked down the river where, his cousin, John the Baptist, who was baptizing people into lives of faith, recognized him. He shouted, loud enough so that everyone would hear, "Behold, the Lamb of God, that takes away the sin of the world." (John 1:29). John recognized Jesus' special place in the plan of God: He would be the one who would become the sacrificial lamb, that would take the burden of man's sin on his own shoulders, and give us all an opportunity of salvation.

In the Old Testament, there were many stories of God working through men of faith; in each of these stories, those who have been given the 'eyes of faith' can see Jesus. For instance, in Genesis 7, we read the story of Noah and the Ark. God would destroy mankind because of their sin, and He called on the one righteous man, Noah, to build an ark. He and his family, and pairs of all living things on the earth, would board this giant ship and survive a great flood that was to come. The floodwaters came and destroyed everything! After the waters receded, Noah and his family came and 'restarted' all humanity. Noah was recognized for his faithful obedience to God, bringing salvation to humanity. This story foreshadowed the work of Jesus on the cross! Jesus, a man of faithful devotion to God, was obedient to His call upon his life. God called him to service: it was the service of following God's plan for his life, which included both the crucifixion and resurrection. Jesus' death and resurrection, of course, was an act of an obedient man whom God used to bring about the salvation and 're-creation' of all humanity. The story of Noah and the Ark showed us how Jesus would save us all!

I had misunderstood that old preacher when I was a child when I literally stood on my Bible. However, I have learned He was right: when we 'stand on the Bible' and learn to follow the Messiah that is on every page, we can become the person God wants us to be and live our best life!

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Season of Gratitude as told by Pastor Dave The best way to support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family. We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/ If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/

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Pastor Dave subs in for Rev Kev to discuss Acts 9, From Saul to Paul.

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Have you ever tried to figure out what someone was like? Not in physical appearance, of course – but who they are, or what sort of character is within them? Several years ago, I talked about one of my good friends from college, and my sister’s ears perked up. She asked various questions, such as ‘How tall is he,’ or ‘What color is his hair?’ And then she turned to my wife-then-girlfriend and asked, “Ok, what is he really like?’ She wanted to know what kind of person he was! Appearances were important, but the personal attributes, a sense of humor, kindness, and value system truly defined the person. We are all like that – after we get past the obvious physical characteristics, we always ask, “What are they really like?”

In some ways, that is the way we might think about God.

We hear stories of his power, creative abilities, and such, but what we really want to know is the same as when we talk about other people:

“What is He really like?”

That is a fair question. We talk and think of God’s power and greatness and hear stories and sermons, but we always ask, “What is He really like?” There is a way to know! As we read the scriptures, we see patterns in God’s behavior and how He often responds to sinful man. This is especially true in the Old Testament!

Here are a couple of things we can learn about God’s character and what he is ‘really like’ as we read the Old Testament scriptures:

First, we can learn that God is patient and loving and makes a real effort to offer forgiveness and guidance to us all. In the book of Exodus, as the drama of Moses receiving the 10 Commandments from God began to unfold, God spoke and said this of himself: “The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth. . . who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. . ..” 34:6-7 Here God spoke as he appeared to Moses, and taught the young man about his character.

God reveals himself as kind and loving, willing to forgive, and one who values justice and the punishment of evil. That is what God is like! He is loving and fair, giving us opportunities for growth and repentance. Still, he also values truth and justice, punishing evil when needed!

Another truth revealed about God in the Old Testament is that God will provide for his people, and he has a plan for them well into the future. After explaining to them that he had plans for them, this is how he finished a section out of Deuteronomy 8: “For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, flowing forth in valleys and hills. . .When you have eaten and are satisfied, you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you.” vv.7-10

This is what God is really like! He is kind and forgiving and works for justice, and he works and plans to care for us far into the future. He is a good and loving God!

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The other day, I heard the story of the old hymn, "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus." It has always been one of my favorite hymns and has a ring of truth to the lyrics. The story of the hymn was powerful, as told by a missionary in Africa. A chief of a tribe called out a man from his tribe who was telling people about Jesus, and he wanted him to stop! He threatened the man to reject his faith, and his reply was simple: "I have decided to follow Jesus." The enraged chief had his family brought out and murdered, to which the resolute man stated, "Though none go with me, I still will follow." Finally, the chief gave him one more chance under the threat of death. The man, full of faith and God-given courage, calmly said, "No turning back, no turning back," and the chief and his followers immediately murdered him! The believer's faith so moved the missionary that he set about to develop the words to the other verses and found someone to put the words to the now-familiar tune. What a story of faith – Jesus had so impacted the man's life that he willingly gave up everything to follow him! Our faith really is 'all about Jesus,' isn't it? Over the last few weeks, I have been preaching about 'Christ in the Old Testament." This week, I addressed the identification of 'the angel of the Lord,' who played a significant role in both creations and the history of the Jewish people. After much research and study, I learned that the 'angel of the Lord' in the Old Testament was clearly identified by scholars as the Messiah, Jesus, before his incarnation! That's right – when the angel of the Lord was there in the creation, it was, in reality, Messiah; later, when the miraculous protections of the Jews in the wilderness were provided by a pillar of fire by night and clouds by day, it was Messiah. The 'angel of the Lord' appears in many forms but is always the same – Messiah. Later, the Messiah came in human form as the infant Jesus. So, we can correctly understand that in the creation and many other events in the Old Testament in which the angel of the Lord worked, it was, in all actuality, the Christ who was there: Jesus! So, you see, when you read the scriptures and hear of how God has worked through His spirit and the angel of the Lord, it was Jesus at work all the time. Jesus, the Messiah, is the Creator, giver of life, and sustainer. Our faith really is 'about Jesus,' isn't it? You can best support our Ministry by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family. We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/ If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/ Thank you for listening. We will see you next week.

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I watched a recent news report on the ongoing political controversies in our nation's capitals, and one analyst gave his opinion. The following is not a quotation but gives the gist of his comments: "It is all about power. Political power and the power to get things done the way you want them done. That is the simple explanation of what is happening."

Power! It is an essential element of everything in life: in politics, current events, and even when it comes to faith!

In the book of First Peter, the early Christians were afraid! The Roman government seemed to stand against them, and the people around them resisted their efforts to share their faith. Because the Christians were in the minority, they had no power at all! Those in power would not protect them, and they often worked against the Church and even tried to silence them. They needed power!

Interestingly, Peter spoke to these struggling Christians and explained that they had a reason for hope because they had experienced salvation resulting from God's power at work in their lives. He reminded them that they had experienced God's great gifts because He had worked through the life and death of his son, Jesus, and had brought him back from the dead. And, because of Jesus' shed blood, sin, and death had been conquered – by the power of God! This power of God was with them and in them, even though their enemies hated them.

They had hope because of God's power!

The message of the Gospel is a message of God's power! He conquered sin and death, He lives and works within us, and based on this, we have a reason to live our lives for him. Just as importantly, we can show God's power at work within us as we practice love toward others. Like he said in Chapter 1, "Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and abiding word of God." vv.22-23

In this life, you may struggle, but the One God, all-powerful and good, loves you and wants to help you live this life. Follow Him in faith, be filled, and find grace, peace, and the power you need to live each day.

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Several years ago, I attended a worship service at a large Pentecostal church in Kansas City, Mo. My friend had attended there, and had invited me to go with her. We went, and honestly, it was a real eye-opener for me! We stood up and sang for well over a half-an-hour, and twice the songs were stopped so we could all ‘pray,’ meaning that it was time for us to ‘speak in tongues.’ I had never participated in anything like this, so I just chose to watch. I looked around for the next 15-20 minutes, wide-eyed, as almost everyone stood, swaying to the music and mumbling some sort of “angelic language” I could not understand. This was their way of praying “in the spirit,” I was told, and was part of pursuing a sense of holiness in their private lives. I left that night, never to return to that church or that kind of experience. For me, being holy was something very different!

What do you think of when you hear that someone, or some activity, is ‘holy?’

In his first letter to the church, the Apostle Peter wrote concerning their pursuit of faith. He said this: “Like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am Holy:’” (1:15-16) Over the years, I have learned quite a bit about this, so let me share something about this thing called ‘holiness.’

First, holiness is very practical and life-affecting; it is not just a ‘spiritual exercise.’ In the passage I mentioned earlier, Peter spoke of several actions to help one pursue holiness. Here are the things he mentioned:

Think clearly (“gird your minds,” v.13):

Exercise Self-control (“keep sober in spirit,” v.13);

Look forward to Christ’s return (“fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you,” v.13); and, finally, do not go back to your old ways (“do not be conformed to the former lusts,” v.14).

These are more than just things you think about – they are practices and ways of relating to others that can affect your life and influence you in profound ways.

Later in the passage, Peter explains that holiness is more than just something you “do;” he taught that we were to be holy in all our behavior – but the words that he used in his old language meant that being ‘holy’ was something that God did within us. In other words, even though our own choices and discipline are helpful in the pursuit of happiness, the only way to achieve the holiness Peter was talking about was to open ourselves up to God’s work in our life – it was an act of God!

Isn’t that amazing?

You cannot control everything in your own spiritual life – you must apply your decision-making in making good choices, and even more importantly, you must be willing to open your heart to God’s spirit and let him change and shape you in whatever ways He chooses!

People are not ‘holy’ because they are better; they are better because they are holy. It is an act of God!

The challenge for each of us is to “live the life of faith” and to open our hearts to God’s influence. Join me in this process of achieving holiness!

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I heard a woman named ‘Wanda’ tell her story – a powerful testimony of her faith in God helping her through a very difficult life!

Wanda was abandoned as a young child and grew up angry and rebellious. She lived a miserable existence, lived the life of a drug addict and alcoholic, and ended up pregnant and by herself by the time she was 19. She admitted she was miserable and alone and wanted to die. One day, at the very bottom of her life, she decided to kill herself. She walked into her apartment and gathered up the drugs she was going to use and was interrupted by the ring of her phone. She says she felt “compelled” to answer that phone, even though she did not want to talk to anyone. She picked up the phone, and one of her girlfriends said, “Wanda, I just felt like God wanted me to call you right now – are you all right?” With that, Wanda burst into tears and told her what was happening.

Amazingly, the loving voice on the other end shared with her the message of God’s love and salvation, and Wanda prayed to receive Jesus as Savior! She says she immediately felt her burdens lifted, her heart was free of the pain and anger she had felt all her life, and she realized that she wanted to live!

Wanda began to rebuild her life, attended a good church with her friend, and began to live a very ordinary existence. But her life would not be easy: she was soon diagnosed with cancer. She had to undergo several surgeries and rounds of treatment, and she had several other health problems related to her hard life. In this challenging time, though, she met a good man who married her, they continued to attend church and get involved in missions and ministries, and she commented that God had blessed her and given her a sense of joy and inner strength she had never experienced before. It was all, she said, because of God’s wonderful gift of grace!

This is the sort of experience that Peter was talking about in his first letter to the early church. They were suffering for their faith and struggling just to stay alive. But instead of telling them everything would get better, he taught that their faith would give them strength and inner peace. Those early Christians had no easy answers, but because they followed Jesus, they had hope! He said it like this: For those that are born again, they would be “protected by the power of God through faith.” (I Peter 1:5)

This is the power of God, available to all who would follow Jesus. There are no guarantees of ease and comfort because of our faith. Still, there is the promise that God loves us, He will always be with us, and He will give us the strength and ability to bear up under anything this life might bring.

Let me encourage you to seek out this Jesus, who died for you on the cross. He can save you, lift you up, and give you hope – in this life and the life to come!

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The father took his son to the WWII memorial, hoping to teach him something about the world. The boy was not interested in history, but the father thought it might be a good trip. They looked at the different clothes and uniforms, the tanks and trucks and motorcycles, and pictures of everything. It was fascinating! Even the little boy seemed to enjoy the day. One of the displays had to do with the number of those injured and killed in the years-long conflict and explained that the Allied Forces united in maintaining their freedoms for their nations and keeping others from invading the United States. The little boy bounced around, and Dad wondered if he was learning anything.

A few days later, the father listened in on his young son's conversation with a neighbor – he told him about their trip to the memorial. He talked excitedly about the tanks and motorcycles. And then the little boy said something that convinced the father that the trip had been worthwhile: his son explained that bad guys had attacked our nation, and everyone fought together to keep the world free from the influences of bad people.

He got it, didn't he? The little boy understood a tremendous lesson: sometimes people must fight for what is good and to protect themselves, and when you can, it helps if you can get others to fight with you against those that would hurt you.

The little boy would have learned those lessons; eventually, we hope. But the father realized that he had 'done his job' as a father in taking the time to be with his son and help him learn important lessons for life.

People must learn! Lessons need to be given, time investments need to be made, and those who know important truths must make an effort to pass down those truths to others – lives are at stake!

Jesus understood this as much as anyone else.

In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus talks about the importance of helping others and teaching them about God and how He can help them in this life. He used the image of a lamp and said, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden, nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Your life must shine before people so they may see your good works and glorify your father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16)

Jesus taught us all that there are things we need to learn and do so that we might help people live good lives. You cannot just leave the important stuff up to someone else; instead, we must all speak and live so that others can learn about the truths of God.

God wants us to learn from Him as we study the Bible. After knowing God's truth, he wants us to live so that others can discover the Gospel message by watching our actions and hearing our words. Let us join in teaching the truths of God so that others may see His light in Jesus!

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Several years ago, a good friend, a Deacon of a church in the Ozarks, told of a woman in his congregation struggling to provide for the needs of her several children. The Church had previously helped her family and was familiar with her situation. During a ‘special offering’ drive over Christmas, a plea was made in Church for offerings for the poor in other parts of the world. People gave different amounts, and some publicized their gifts by announcing them at the end of the services.

After one service, this woman got up. Much to everyone’s amazement, she announced that she was giving an amount to the Christmas offering that would place her family in peril. Not only would her children not receive any Christmas gifts, but she would also be unable to pay their heating bills and feed those hungry mouths!

She meant well, of course, but everyone else saw the problem! She allowed her faith and devotion to God to distort her perspective. She decided to do something that everyone saw as a grave mistake! Later that day, some of the ladies in the Church were able to talk to her, and they were able to return the offering to her. The deacons of the Church also gave her and her family a nice Christmas offering and affirmed her expression of faith. The woman felt good about the situation, and everything seemed to work well.

The point is that, sometimes, peoples’ expressions of faith go too far, or they act ‘in the moment’ without thinking clearly!

The Bible teaches us that God calls us to a life of faith and devotion to Him. He wants us to follow Him in faith, live according to his teachings, and make his cause a primary force in our lives! At the same time, though, there is a current of thought in scripture that teaches that we are to be a people of faith that love and serve others!

Simply put: We cannot live a life of devotion and faith in God if we fail to love others and help them in this life.

Jesus told a parable to illustrate this great truth called “The Parable of the Good Samaritan.” Here’s a short, modernized version of the story: A man is robbed and beaten along the highway and left for dead. A preacher came by, though, and everyone listening to the story thought he would help.

But instead, he crossed the road and went on his way – he had a church meeting to go to, after all! Later, another minister came by, and he did the same as the other: he crossed the road and went on his way. No doubt, he had something important at Church, too! Finally, a man that wasn’t a minister, or even a Christian, came by.

He stopped and helped the man, took him to a motel, and paid for his stay for a few days. He came back later and made sure he was ok. Jesus then asked the people listening to the story, “Who was this man’s friend?” One in the crowd shouted the one that helped him! Jesus agreed, saying, “This is how I want you to live. I want you to have faith, but I also want you to love and help people when they need it.”

God wants us to know the Bible and live according to His teachings; at the same time, though, he wants us to think through our plans and avoid actions and words that go ‘too far’ and lead us away from Him. He wants us to help others and not ignore our own family. And he wants us to live out our faith in the Church and, at the same time, serve those who are outside the faith.

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The story’s title captured my attention: “Love Means Reporting Back to Duty.” Written several years ago, the article told the story of Captain David Rozelle, who lost a part of his leg in battle in Iraq. He wasn’t sure how his life was going to work out. Still, after a year of surgeries and rehabilitation and being fitted and trained with a prosthetic foot and ankle, he was declared “fit for duty.” He didn’t hesitate for even a moment – he immediately began the process of going back to active duty by visiting other veterans who had lost limbs in battle. He encouraged them to gain the treatments and training that would allow them to get back to life and enjoyed helping them in any way he could. After about a year of this, though, he knew it was time for him to get back into battle. When asked why he would do this again, exposing himself to the risks of battle, he said, “It is my duty. By accepting command, I knew that I would eventually return to Iraq. I am smarter, stronger, and more ready to help create freedom for the Iraqi people.”

In other words, he wanted to get back to serving his country and the needs of the Iraqi people!

Captain Rozelle demonstrates what we, the Christians, call a “servant spirit.” A servant spirit is the driving force within us that leads us to serve others in need simply because that is what God wants us to do. No one must force or manipulate us to make sacrifices and do what may be unpleasant tasks. We follow the God who calls us into service out of love for Him and those around us!

In the Old Testament is the story of Joshua, who led the Hebrew people after Moses’ death. He led them to take the promised land and saw God work in many ways for many years.

He was convinced their lives would be best if they followed Him! So, before he retired, he spoke to his people about service. Here are his famous words: “If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

(Joshua 24:15) A life of service was the only way for him!

We who follow Jesus understand that God calls each of us into a life of service. Whether in a foreign land or our neighbor’s yard, God wants us to care for those around us and give of ourselves to help them – no matter what!

A life of faith – is a life of service!

Let us all take our commitments seriously. Let us take up the mantle of service and show our faith and devotion to God as we serve those in need daily.

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God gifted King Solomon with great wisdom. He pursued pleasure, wealth, knowledge, and accomplishment for meaning. By the end, through wise reflection, he learned that all good things are from God and should be used for His will & glory.

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Wisdom comes in all forms – sometimes it is very ‘academic’ in nature, focusing upon something you can know and understand, and sometimes it requires almost no ‘book smarts’! Wisdom is not just something you can ‘know,’ sometimes wisdom is something you ‘do.’ For instance, you can understand human biology and sexuality and even grasp something of the tension between the races; but that may not mean you have a clue as to how to get along with people. Some of the smartest and most capable people live their lives alone simply because they lack the wisdom that leads to good relationships with others!

The Bible is a story of a man named Nabal and his wife, Abigail. Nabal was driven and forceful and a capable and wealthy businessman. He had amassed quite a fortune because of his business acumen and ability to make sound business decisions. At the same time, though, he was recognized as a fool, as he had a hot temper and tended to abuse and take advantage of those with whom he did business. On the other hand, his wife wasn’t known for anything other than being attractive and able to get along with everyone; she was loved and respected by all who knew her!

In the Bible, I Samuel 25, there is a story of an encounter with King David of Israel just before he became King. He was out in the wilderness, and he and his men were hungry, and he sent his men to ask Nabal and his workers for some food. He rebuffed David’s men and made it clear he had no respect for David; this infuriated him! He told his men to get their swords because he would lead them to kill Nabal and all his soldiers! However, before David’s men could make the journey to the attack, Abigail heard what had happened. She tried to talk to her foolish husband, but he was passed out drunk, so she took matters into her own hands. She had her assistants help her load a mass of food and wine on horses and delivered the gift to David as he made his way into town. She apologized for her husband’s bad decision, asked for mercy from David, and fed them all. She made such a positive impression on David that he withdrew his intention to kill Nabal and returned home. Abigail then explained what she had done to her now-sober husband, who, upon hearing what his wife had done, went into a huge, screaming fit! In his rage, he had a massive stroke, which struck him down; 10 days later, Nabal died.

Here are a couple of things we can learn from this old story:

First, the willingness and ability to form good relationships with others can be a lifesaver in some situations. Nabal almost lost everything simply because he was rude to David’s men and didn’t want to help them – even though they had protected his workers while in the field! David didn’t kill him only because of Abigail’s efforts. She was kind and gracious, apologized for her husband’s offense, and was generous in the way she helped David and his men.

She saved lives with her very simple efforts!

Another thing we can learn is that it often takes real work to form and even heal the relationships in our lives. Abigail took the initiative to mend their broken relationship with David. Then she did the hard work of traveling, giving gifts, and even offering an explanation and apology for her husband’s actions. Too, David demonstrated that some relationships could only be saved with forgiveness is given. David ‘let it go,’ and went on his way, allowing Nabal and his people to get on with their lives.

Good relationships are priceless and a continual source of God’s blessing!

Let us all learn the ways of good relationships from both Abigail and David and put those lessons into practice.

You can best support our Ministry by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.

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A few years ago, a national survey asked respondents several questions regarding how they felt about Christians and the Church.

Unfortunately, the opinions of many were quite negative!

91% said Christianity had an anti-gay image.
87% said it was too judgmental.
85% claimed that the Church and Christians were hypocritical.

The report was hard to read because the results were so negative. The very things Jesus warned us about have become an accepted part of the church in America!

One day Jesus told a story about a religious leader, a Pharisee, who came into the temple to pray. He made a big show of his efforts! He prayed out loud so everyone would know he was very spiritual. In his prayer, he thanked God that he was a good person and was nothing like a sinner standing nearby. In the story, Jesus contrasted this self-righteous leader with that sinner:

His sin so broke him that he couldn’t raise his head, and he beat his chest as a sign of humility!

His prayer was short and simple, “God, be merciful to me, the sinner!” (Luke 18:13)

Jesus surprised everyone that day – when he finished the story, which was a contrast between a respected leader and a sinful tax collector, he commented that the sinner, a man rejected by everyone, was the more spiritual of the two.

Here’s what Jesus said, “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other, for everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, but he who humbles himself she be exalted.” (Luke 18:14)

God values what is in our hearts!

He is not impressed by a well-worded prayer or even religious acts of service – if one’s heart isn’t right with God, and there is no humility, good works and religious titles mean almost nothing to God!

Humility comes as we allow God to work in our lives. Open your heart to his influence and Word, and be alert to the self-righteousness that can separate us from God and others.

You can best support our Ministry by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.

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Even when you get just what you ask for, it may not be what you thought!

A few weeks ago, I walked out of a store into a large, car-filled parking lot, and my eyes immediately fixated upon a small, bright-red sports car. It was beautiful! I walked up to the car, looked it over, and then realized that someone was sitting in the driver's seat. Just as I caught his eye, he opened the door and began an excruciating climb out of the low-slung car. Because there was no way for me to escape the situation without talking, I waited. Then I asked him, after watching him struggle to lift himself out of the car, if it was 'worth it.' He flashed me a big smile and said, "Oh yeah!" We both had a good laugh and spoke for a moment about the perils of aging and "getting what you've always wanted."

Isn't that the way it is in life? You can yearn for something for years, save your money and finally get it, but the results are almost always the same:

After the new is worn off, it begins to lose its luster. Eventually, time takes its toll, and the joy and satisfaction it gives tend to fade. Almost everything in life is like that, and part of maturing is learning that not many things are genuinely 'worth it' to gain, especially if the costs of ownership are high! Whatever it is, be it a car, house, or pair of shoes.

This is part of what the Bible talks about. When we read scripture, we are taught that almost everything in this life will fade. What brings joy and happiness today will one day no longer be as satisfying, or it might wear out or even be stolen!

In fact, we are taught that only two things bring truly lasting joy into our lives: good and loving relationships and a living faith in Jesus.

Our relationships with others can be a true blessing, bringing joy into our hearts and putting a smile on our faces. Our faith in Jesus can be with us through good times and bad, giving us insight into the situations of life, encouraging and strengthening us, and ultimately carrying us into life after this life on earth. It is "worth it!"

The Apostle Paul says, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:4-7)

It's alright to gain worldly goods – they can be seen as blessings, or gifts, from God. Remember that everything in this life will fail; the only things truly 'worth it' are your good and loving relationships and your faith in Jesus.

You can best support our Ministry by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.

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God brings the good out of bad situations. The best way to support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family. We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/ If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/ See you next week!

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If there are no ‘newborns,’ things cease to exist, don’t they? This goes for plants, animals, people, and people of faith!

Many years ago, there was a religious group who were fervent in their Christian faith and lived isolated from the world as much as they could.

They were called ‘Shakers’ because one of their religious rituals involved a sort of dancing that involved a very rhythmic shaking while they held a strict formation. They were known for moral purity and love for others; they became famous because their simple lifestyle, unadorned with fancy decorations, led them to design and build a type of furniture highly admired for its beauty and simplicity. Another characteristic they had was that they, as a group, were committed to a life of celibacy. Not only would there be no sexual contact among the group, but there would also be no newborn babies or children! As you can imagine, this caused all sorts of problems. Obviously, the group would slowly but surely, get older, with fewer and fewer young adults; finally, though, they would cease to exist, as there was no ‘birth replacement’ within the group. There would be a few that would continue to attend, and there were occasionally new families who joined this group. Still, the lack of births ultimately led to their demise. At last count, after more than 200 years since their inception, the group numbers less than an individual.

Without some form of reproduction, the group simply faded away!

Reproduction, interestingly, is part of God’s plan for all living things.

He created all things: plants and animals, people, and groups, to reproduce. To reproduce is to bring life; to fail to reproduce is to invite death!

This is true for all forms of life, including religious groups.

In the book of Acts in the Bible, there are multiple stories of individuals in the early church who had a burden to ‘reproduce’ in the faith. At one point, two disciples of Jesus, Peter, and John, were arrested for preaching the message of Jesus. The leaders couldn’t get away with killing them, but they wanted to stop their efforts to bring new people into the faith. They said they would let them go under the condition that they stop talking about Jesus.

Their response was clear and very simple: “We cannot stop speaking what we have seen and heard.” In other words, they would ‘reproduce’ people of faith everywhere they went!

The rest is history: Peter and John and most Christians proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus after that. At one point, a small group of disciples became one of the largest religious groups in human history – The Church!

From the beginning, this was God’s plan: Jesus would be crucified and resurrected and form The Church from his followers. Then and forever after, members of the church would insistently share the message of Jesus and bring others into the faith. People would be ‘born into’ a relationship with Christ, and they, too, would take up the banner of Jesus.

Let us all take up this ‘banner’ of the cross.

People everywhere need Jesus; we who know him can lead them to faith and everlasting life!

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Several years ago, I purchased several ducks for my small farm with the hope of watching them raise baby ducks. I thought this might be interesting and a source of delight for my grandchildren. Unfortunately, my ducks were not interested in laying on their eggs and hatching them, so for the first couple of years, none of their eggs hatched. But then, something happened that really surprised me! A couple of my older hens (chickens) went ‘broody’ (which meant they wanted to sit on eggs) and began to sit on a few of the duck eggs. 28 days later, I had five little ducks following around their ‘chicken’ mothers! They hid under their wings at first, then began to venture away; that is, until something, or someone, scared them. They stayed close to their mothers into adulthood and never mixed with the other ducks in the barnyard. As long as I had them, they drew courage and companionship from their mothers!

This is the way of nature, isn’t it? No matter the type or species, life can be gained through a herd, a family, a root system, or a vine. Jesus understood this!

In a sermon to his disciples, Jesus explained that he had the ability to give life and strength to those that would stay close to them. He used the analogy out of local vineyards when he said, “I am the vine, and you are the branches.” (John 15: 5)

He explained that as long as his followers stayed connected to him by their faith and obedience to his teachings, they would live, grow, and produce fruit. The Vinedresser (Father God in this sermon) would tend the vines, caring and pruning for them so that they might stay healthy and fruitful.

“I am the vine” has become a powerful teaching in the Christian faith! We cannot ‘live’ in the faith without maintaining our faith in, and connection to, Jesus, the vine. Through him, we receive teachings, hope, and strength. No one can stop this – it is, quite literally, a “God thing!”

Let me encourage you to cling to the ‘vine’ that is Jesus. Allow him to help you in every way, and make an effort to cling to him, even when you do not ‘feel like it.’ When you cling to Him, your life will be better and more joyful!

You can best support our Ministry by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.

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Many years ago, I found myself lost while on a family vacation!

Instead of a map, I had been using an early version of what was then called a Garmin, which served as a high-tech electronic map. My Garmin developed a glitch in its software, and I found myself and my family lost at the end of a dirt road in the mountains of Arkansas. Out of desperation, we turned off the Garmin, backtracked to a gas station we had passed a few miles back, and bought an old-fashioned map.

That map was clear and concise and gave us a clear way of finding our destination. Our vacation went without a hitch, and we always carried a map after that.

The map always gave us the ‘way’ to get where we wanted to go!

We often need directions to get somewhere or to do or experience something; we seldom know the best ‘way’ to do something without instruction or guidance. That’s what Jesus was doing one day with his people.

Jesus was speaking to his disciples when they told him they did not know the ‘way’ to go to be with him after this life. Jesus then made a simple statement in John 14: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through me.” I say this was a simple statement because the clear meaning is simple: ‘Follow Me.’ Jesus spoke of the afterlife and how to experience the afterlife that he intended to give to his people. The directions there were simple, “Follow me.” If people wanted to be with Jesus and live the life that Jesus wanted them to live, they only needed to ‘follow him’ in belief and practice. Jesus then said something that surprised them all: “No, none comes to the Father but through Me.”

Jesus not only claimed to be “the way, the truth, and the life,” he said there was no other way to reach a life with God in eternity apart from following him! Different religions and beliefs weren’t based on truth; instead, they were based upon the lie that man’s religions could cleanse them of sin and give them eternal life. Jesus corrected that idea by declaring that he was the way, and the truth, that could give eternal life. No one else can bring salvation to anyone – only Jesus can do that!

Jesus is the way to salvation, and just as importantly, Jesus is the only way to salvation. Follow Him, and be saved! The author of the book of Hebrews chapter 4 repeated the claim of Jesus when he said, “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among mankind by which we must be saved.”

You can best support our Ministry by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.

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Faith in Jesus isn't just another religion – it is a life-changing relationship with the Living God!

I recently came across a story of an individual who left his home in India as a young man and moved to London, where the opportunities for a good income were much better. He soon purchased a business, and he and his young wife invested their lives in this new venture. The years passed, and one shop turned into two, then three, and he finally stopped with five. He was doing great! One day he was in a local pub and heard a familiar tune – a popular Christian song. It spoke of how Jesus could change one's life and provide strength and hope for the future.

It occurred to this successful businessman that he knew absolutely nothing about Jesus! He was an intelligent adult, doing well in life, and a faithful Hindu – but he said there was just something about the story of Jesus that captured his imagination! Over the next several months, he began reading the Bible and studying the Christian faith. He began to attach a Christian church, just trying to find some answers that had come to him. Finally, after months of prayer and consideration, he invited Jesus into his life. He was soon baptized, along with his wife.

He continued to grow in his newfound faith. He felt something different within him and soon became a Christian leader, sharing his faith with others and getting involved in various ministry endeavors. He marveled at his life's difference now that he practiced this faith that offered a relationship with God through his son, Jesus. Looking back over his life, he spoke of how grateful he was that he had gone to that particular pub that day and how the message of Jesus had touched something within him that he didn't even know existed. He was saved, encouraged by his faith every day, and now had learned to face the prospect of loss and death with hope – Jesus would be with him every step of the way.

That is the glory of the Easter Story! Jesus can enter into one's life and give them hope and strength. He offers forgiveness for one's sin and shows the promise of eternal life. The only requirement is that one receives the message of Jesus and commits to following Him. There is nothing to do to 'earn' this salvation and hope; we must only receive it in faith. Jesus, through his death and resurrection (The Easter Story), had paid the price for our sins and had conquered fear and death. When we follow Him, we receive God's gift of salvation. God promises to help us in this life and the life that is to come!

This Easter season, let me encourage you to consider the message of Jesus. Confess your sin to him, and invite him into your heart and life. He will come to live in your heart, give you strength for this life, and hope for the life to come.

You can best support our Ministry by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.

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Several years ago, after a move to a new community, I started doing business at a different bank. After establishing my accounts, I began using the ‘drive-through’ facility, which was faster and closer to my house. I soon began to dread my trips through this drive-through because I felt like the woman working there was cold, rude, and unprofessional. I continued to feel this way for over a year until, one day, I decided to give this woman another chance. I started to be more friendly to her, asking her about her family and getting to know her. Amazingly, she responded with a smile, and we soon became friends! Over the next several years, we often talked about her family and other concerns. Eventually, when her aging mother died, she asked me to perform the funeral for her! She and I were good friends for many years. She wasn’t cold, rude, or anything like that – the problem was that, in my haste to do my business, I hadn’t given her a chance. Over time I found that she was clever, intelligent, and warm-hearted. I just had to get to know her!

Many of us are that way in our approach toward God. We have a few pre-conceived ideas of how He thinks and feels without giving him a chance to become a part of our lives!

In one of his sermons in the gospel of John, chapter 10, Jesus, who claimed that He was God ‘in the flesh,’ referred to himself as “The Good Shepherd.” The farmers in the crowd understood what he meant: a good shepherd cared for his sheep, would get to know them and even care for them, and, if the situation demanded, he would fight to protect those in his herd! This is exactly how Jesus wanted his hearers to begin to think of God.

Let’s take Jesus’ comments about ‘The Good Shepherd’ to heart. Instead of viewing God as a cold and distant deity, let us consider God a loving father who cares for his children. Instead of an angry god who wants to punish and destroy those who have failed, let us remind ourselves that God’s primary motivations are to love and give us help and grace in this life.

God loves us and wants to have a living, daily relationship with us all! He wants to get involved in our lives, help, bless, and give us hope. May we all follow Him! God in the flesh, Jesus, is “The Good Shepherd.”

You can best support our Ministry by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.

We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

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Changing your life is hard; it is so hard that many never even try!

That is a sad truth, isn’t it? We all know someone who needs to make changes in their life to keep their job, family, or health – yet, it is so complex they often give up and lose some of the essential things in their lives!

In the Bible, there is a story of a man who wanted to change his life but couldn’t do it. He had made a fortune doing something that drove everyone he loved away from him: he was a tax collector for the Roman government!

He wanted to change – he was lonely and rejected by all who knew him, but he just couldn’t bring himself to give up his fortune and regain his life. It was too hard!

And then, one day, Zacchaeus heard that Jesus was coming to his part of town. He was a very short man, so he climbed into a tree so that he might see Jesus when he walked by. Amazingly, Jesus saw him in the tree and called him down – “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” The hated tax collector was thrilled! He climbed down the tree and led Jesus to his house. He promised Jesus that he would give half of his fortune to the poor, and if he had defrauded anyone in his tax collections, he would repay them four times as much as he took! After talking with Jesus all afternoon, his life was transformed.

Zacchaeus had experienced a change of heart. When the hardened tax collector gave his heart to Jesus, God began to work to change his heart, soul, and actions.

God cleansed him of his sin, enabled him to change his behavior, and began the long and arduous process of rebuilding his life. This time, though, it was going to work. God was with him!

Zacchaeus’s story has been repeated many times over the centuries – people who have tried and failed to change receive Christ into their hearts and finally begin to rebuild their lives. This is what God does when people turn to Him!

You may have something in your life that needs to change – it is a behavior or ‘way of life’ dragging you down; maybe it is keeping you from those you love. Perhaps you have tried to change and failed. Zacchaeus’s story teaches us that it is never too late to turn to God and allow Him to help you change. Turn to him in faith, and allow Him to come in and begin the transformation you need and want.

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Years ago, I lived in a small Ozark town that featured a university with an engineering emphasis. The ‘engineering’ students came from all over the world, and I loved how they approached everything in their lives. They were logical thinkers and liked to develop and live by rules. Whenever they created a machine or worked on a project, they developed ‘design parameters.’ A ‘design parameter’ was a set of guidelines on how to use and maintain whatever machine they were building. When the user follows those parameters, the machine performs at its best and lasts a long time; if you ignore those parameters, performance will suffer, and premature failure is a real possibility. I have thought about that often!

The Bible teaches us that God is our Creator and that we are to live as He guides us. In my mind, God’s instructions for life are similar in concept to the ‘design parameters’ the engineers wrote for the use of their machines. When we live according to those parameters, our lives are better, more fulfilling, and more useful to God. When we ignore those parameters, though, our lives will suffer, and we will miss out on the blessings God intends for us to have!

In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave us some of God’s ‘design parameters’ for our lives. For instance, one of those parameters is often called ‘The Golden Rule,’ and simply states, “However you want people to treat you, so treat them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12) This is a very simple and practical guide for all our relationships! It works like this: If you don’t want to be lied to, don’t lie to others. If you want to be treated fairly and with respect, do that with others.

In almost all interactions with others, this simple ‘parameter’ can make a huge difference in our lives! One other teaching was the instruction to decide to walk “the narrow way” instead of “the wide way.” (vv.13-14) This meant choosing to live as God has directed instead of living as everyone else around you.

Be more thoughtful and ‘sober-minded’ towards life and relationships, live to please God and make your faith a priority in your life. This kind of life is one that God can bless and will bring you joy.

God wants to bless you and use you for His Kingdom’s purpose! How you live determines if that will happen. Choose to live a life that pleases God and follows his instruction for your life. It is the very best life you can live!

You can best support our Ministry by sharing these videos with your friends and family.

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“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

That’s a very simple statement and easy to understand, but when you think about it, it is probably one of the most important things you can believe!

Here are my reasons for thinking this easy, first-verse-in-the-Bible statement is so important.

First, if you take this to heart, you accept the idea that God was, in the beginning, before creation. Before the world, before the universe and the ‘big bang,’ and before anything else existed – there was God! He exists, He is timeless, and He is eternal. If you say you believe in God and that He was before all things, it would make sense to believe in Him and follow Him, right? Why would you follow anyone else – it doesn’t make sense.

Another thought comes to mind from that first statement: “God created.” God is all-powerful and all-knowing, else He could not create all things! If that is so, and God said something, wouldn’t it be wise for us to listen to Him and maybe take direction from Him? Since He created all things, including us, He would probably have an idea of what kind of life would be best for us, right? Here are some of the things this all-powerful God has said to us: “I love you, and forgive you;” “I want to help you live a good life and live forever in peace;” “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you;” and finally, “Be encouraging and helpful to others, and live without strife as much as you can.”

It’s amazing, isn’t it – if you take that first sentence in the Bible seriously, it can change almost everything about your life!

Your relationships can be better, your personal life can be better, and you can live confidently because God will be with you.

“In the beginning, God created. . . you!”

You can best support our Ministry by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.

We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

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Many years ago, my wife and I purchased a special gift for our daughters: an electric piano! They told us they wanted it and promised to practice every day – so we gave them a quality instrument, just like they wanted. At first, they practiced several times a week without complaint and went to their lessons regularly. After a little over a year, though, we noticed that their attitudes toward their music lessons began to change. They complained a little about their teacher and then started 'forgetting' to practice. Finally, they were in outright rebellion, and nothing we could do or say could get them to even look at that piano! It wasn't long before they quit their lessons, and the piano got moved into a dusty corner of our house, finally being sold at a garage sale.

The fact that we lost a little bit of money was a concern, of course – but the big disappointment was that a gift that was once prized and practiced ended up dusty in a corner, never utilized in any meaningful way. The fulfillment that comes from playing an instrument well was never experienced, and the joy that could have been shared with others never materialized.

I'm sure other parents can relate to this story; there are many 'barely used' pianos for sale on Craigslist!

I think of this story fairly often – not because of anything negative about my daughters (they both turned out wonderfully!), but because I am reminded that, in some ways, God has been through the very same thing with us! God is a loving father, giving his children beautiful gifts. Sometimes they develop and use those gifts; at other times, those gifts are 'wasted,' moved to a dusty corner of our lives.

The scriptures teach us that God gives people gifts to be used in service to others. Sometimes these are natural abilities or aptitudes that can be developed; at other times, these gifts are called 'spiritual gifts' that come directly from God's Spirit at work in one's life. When discovered and developed, these gifts can bring great joy into people's lives and can be used by God to build up His Church and serve the needs of a community. When people develop their gifts and use them as God directs, peoples' lives can be changed, and tremendous blessings can be experienced by everyone involved! God gives them to his children just because He loves them.

Let me encourage you to search your life and determine what 'gifts' God has given you. Do you have musical abilities? Are you good with numbers or patient with those who need help? Perhaps you can lead people or even serve as one who 'works behind the scenes' without being noticed; there are many different gifts, all from Father-God! God wants you to use the skills you have been given by serving others.

You can best support our Ministry by sharing these videos with your friends and family.

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Have you ever whispered to yourself or someone else, “Control Yourself?” I know I have! It can make the difference between disaster and success! We sometimes find ourselves in situations where our emotions are in turmoil, and we find ourselves upset and confused; if you’ve been taught how to act in challenging situations, you find yourself thinking, “I’ve got to keep it under control.”

Learning to control yourself is key to a successful life; it is also directly related to one’s Christian faith! In the first 11 verses of Colossians 3, the Apostle Paul instructed those in the church to ‘control themselves’ to serve the risen Christ better. He used a few different terms that pointed in the same direction. Here are a few:

“Keep seeking the things above,” “Set your mind on things above,” and “put them all aside.”

Each phrase dealt with the issue of subjecting your actions to the teachings of Christ and the needs of the situation. As we read those passages, we realize they are all different ways of communicating the same idea, “Control yourself.”

Our lives are primarily the result of our choices and how we respond to the situations and people we encounter. How you think, act, and speak can make a tremendous impact on your life and the lives of those around you. “Controlling yourself” makes sense; it is a way for us to put our faith to work! God uses people who submit their actions and words to his leadership; He also blesses those people because they are literally ‘following Jesus.’

Let me encourage you to follow Jesus in every way of life. By following his teachings and applying your faith in him to your life, you learn to ‘control yourself’ and experience the kind of life God can use and bless.

You can best support our Ministry by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.

We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

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"Oh yeah, then 'put your money where your mouth is!'" My brother used to say this when we were growing up, particularly when we disagreed on something important –He was trying to cut through the nonsense of our arguments and force us to act out on what we said. His logic was clear – if you really believed something, then you would act on it and even 'bet on it!'

We may often find ourselves saying that we believe something, but when pressed, realize that what we said was only words – we really didn't mean it! We even recognize this in other people – the fact that someone says something 'in the moment' may not mean they really believe it. Jesus understood this!

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus told a parable about a man that was robbed and left for dead. In the story, two religious leaders walked by him without effort to help. Finally, a man that was a 'Samaritan' came by and helped him. This story surprised his hearers because religious leaders were supposed to be good and helpful, and everybody in the crowd believed that someone from Samaria was no good. Their words said they followed God and lived lives of faith, but their actions didn't back up their words! Jesus made it clear that the man who helped the robber had done the right thing and that the other two had not followed God because they had ignored the man who needed help.

Here's the truth of that simple parable: God wants his people to help others! Regardless of who you are or what you've been through when you follow Jesus, God wants you to live your life in service to others.

When you discover a need, do what you can to fill it; when someone is hurting, help them as much as possible.

This is to be the way we demonstrate our faith to others – to love and help them, just as Jesus did!

Receiving Jesus as Savior is the beginning of a life of faith, and serving others is how we live out our faith. When we live this life of service to God and others, our words of faith become believable to others, and they will know what we really believe. This is what God wants from his people!

You can best support our Ministry by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.

We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

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The child had just fallen down the stairs and sobbed into her mother’s arms. Mom hugged her child, soothing and comforting her, and said, “Everything’s going to be ok; I love you.” Soon the drama ended. The child wiped her tears away from her face, hugged her mama one more time, and then climbed down to the floor and ran off with her older brother. Everything was fine!

“Everything’s going to be ok. I love you.”

Such powerful words! As adults, we know that life isn’t easy, and everything isn’t always going to be ok, yet, we still yearn to hear those words, “I love you.” When we are loved, we are better and stronger. When we are loved and secure in that love, we can face life, get up, and go on. When we are loved, there is often peace.

In the early church, Paul often talked about God’s love and how his love had moved him to bring the offer of salvation in Jesus. To be sure, Jesus himself spoke of God’s love, too.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him will not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16). God’s love leads him to work in our lives, give us new life, and lead us each day!

We are taught in scripture that not only is our faith rooted in God’s love, but it is also to be an expression of God’s love! How we live our faith can be an example of God’s love and grace and help others come to faith in Jesus. Our love for others is an act of faith; it is a choice! Paul explains that if our love is “without hypocrisy,” our faith will be loving and sincere. A sincere faith will avoid the excesses of legalism and judgment. A genuine faith, without hypocrisy, will offer forgiveness and grace to others and works for the good of everyone. A sincere faith, based on God’s love, makes life better!

Let us learn to love others sincerelyso that others might see God’s love at work in our lives.

The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.

We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

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Many years ago, I made a huge mistake – I was making homemade ice cream for a family gathering, and I failed to clear the drain hole of the freezer during the freezing process. A little bit of salt water made its way into the ice cream mix, and when I took the first delicious bite, it was apparent that I had messed up – the salt had flavored the entire mix! No amount of brown sugar and vanilla could cover the flavor of the salt – it was just too powerful! We tried to eat it but finally gave up

and threw it out.

Jesus knew the power of salt, even in his day.

Its flavor enhanced whatever it touched, preserving it from spoilage. Salt was so powerful and valuable; it was used in some ancient cultures as money – soldiers were even paid with salt, so valuable it was in those old days!

Jesus knew everyone’s experience with salt and used it as an analogy of how people of faith could affect the culture around them. If salt was ‘salty,’ meaning it had not been diluted with other minerals, it was powerful and useful. Suppose our faith was pure and ‘salty,’ meaning it had not been diluted and weakened with false teachings and sin. In that case, it could have a powerful effect on people and the culture.

Jesus told his people, “You are the salt of the earth.” He wants us to live our faith as ‘pure’ as possible – following biblical teachings, loving others in his name, and faithfully practicing our faith. When we do that, not only will He be able to change our hearts and lives, others will be affected, too!

“You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again? It is good for nothing anymore except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” Matthew 5:14

The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.

We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

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Jan told an all-too-familiar story: she had grown up in church, been baptized as a child, and when she got into her 20’s, she decided to leave her childhood faith behind and go ‘the way of the world’ so that she could find herself. It wasn’t long, though, when ‘the ways of the world’ began to hurt her.

She ended up pregnant by a man she hardly knew. Because she wanted to do the right thing, she married this near-stranger, tried to make it work, and ended up divorced, without a job, trying to raise her child.

She struggled like this for a time, met another man, and before long, had another child. The man left soon after. Jan’s life became a downward spiral of bad decisions – nothing she did worked! She felt like she was a total failure and that her life was over. Out of desperation, she found herself in church one morning, trying to find her way.

As the pastor spoke, her old faith began to stir within her.

Over the next few months, she recommitted her life to Christ, reunited with her parents (who were more than happy to help her!), and began rebuilding her life. She found a job, got involved in a Bible Study, and realized the error of her ways; she had rejected God’s ways, and suffered the consequences! God was gracious and loving, though, and began to work in her life. To this day, she struggles: She is still a single mother of 2 young children, holds a physically-taxing job, and carries quite a bit of emotional baggage with her. She has hope, though, based on her faith. She can live each day with the conviction that God has forgiven her, that He wants to help her each day, and that He will work in her life for as long as she follows Him. Her life is hard, to be sure, but she now says, “I am blessed. God is working in me and is helping me raise my children well.

I don’t know the future, but God is with me.”

Amazing, isn’t it? That is the way God is, though. We sin, rebel, and try our own ways. And yet, when we turn to Him in faith, He responds with grace and love.

He cleanses us from our sins, works in our lives to bring about His will, and gives us hope. No matter who you are or what you have done, God at some point whispers in our ear, “Let me help you.”

If you know someone who needs to hear this story, tell them! God can use his people to share this wonderful message of the Gospel: God loves us, no matter what! Let me encourage you to turn your life over to God and accept his grace and new life offer.

The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these videos with your friends and family.

We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

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Happy New Year! Today, we started our 2023 with an update from Rob Van Wey. About Rob and Julie Van Wey Jesus acknowledged years ago the same problem we face today, "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field" (Matthew 9:36-38). God is sending military members into all the nations of the world, and the Navigators Military mission helps them through Life-to-Life™ discipleship to take the good news of Jesus and His kingdom everywhere they go. My wife and I first began following Jesus while on assignment with the Army in Hawaii. A couple, attending Navigator Bible studies, took us under their wings, loved us and shared the good news of Jesus with us. It is our hope that God will use us similarly in the lives of military men and women, their spouses and families. Our passion is “to know Christ, make Him known, and help others do the same™.” We are trusting the Lord to raise up spiritual generations of people who love and obey Jesus in the Army, that extend to the ends of the earth. You can contribute to Rob and Julie's MIssion by clicking here https://www.navigators.org/staff/23833481/

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The comedian’s routine was funny, well-delivered, and “predictable.” He wanted to make fun of Christians and anyone who believed in a loving God, so he pointed out the flaws and mistakes preachers and other believers had made in their ministries. The conclusion was that only stupid people could believe in God because the God of the Bible was angry and did nothing other than punish people for being human!

The tragedy wasn’t that the comedian was attacking the Church; that is to be accepted. The real tragedy was that the stories told by the comedian were those of preachers describing an angry God whohated ‘sinners’! Based on his accounts, God was always angry, looking for someone to punish!

Truth be told, our God is not angry; his primary characteristic is described in the Old Testament as one of mercy and lovingkindness!In the story of Christ’s birth, Mary meets up with Elizabeth, one of her relatives that was also pregnant, and they speak to each other about God’s grace and mercy to them and mankind. Mary quoted several passages from the Old Testament: “And His mercy is upon generation after generation, toward those who fear him,” and “He has given help to Israel His servant, In remembrance of his mercy.” Mary and Elizabeth had stumbled onto an understanding of God that most never grasp – God is full of grace and mercy, and that is how he wants to relate to us daily! The only reason for God’s anger and judgment is the fact of our sin and our unwillingness to confess that sin and change our behavior.

God loves us and wants to give us grace and mercy. In the Old Testament, we hear through the prophets that God wants his people to resist sin and follow him in faith. If man did that, He would bless them and give them joy. In the New Testament, we are taught that God desires to fulfill all our needs and give us the ability to overcome anything that comes our way. He wants to help us every day and in every way. He loves us!

This Advent Season, invite the God who loves you into your heart. Allow Him to cleanse you through his son, Jesus, and help you in your life.

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Imagine the childhood conversation between two young boys: “My dad is bigger than your dad.” “No, my dad is bigger than yours.” “Uh uh, mine could beat yours in a fight!” Not ever – my dad could beat yours into the ground!” And on and on it goes, of course! I wish I could say this was only an imaginary disagreement. Still, I remember arguing with one of my childhood friends in first or second grade. Having the biggest, strongest, or toughest dad was a big deal to two little boys!

No matter the age, we may often find comfort in knowing that whatever is “ours” (Dad, mom, car, etc.) is bigger, better, faster, or more powerful than another. This even applies to peoples’ ideas of faith, religion, and even ‘gods.’

After the angel had appeared to Mary and told her of God’s plan to use her to bring about the birth of Jesus, she made a several-day journey to see her friend and distant relative, Elizabeth, who at the time was pregnant with her son, who would grow to become John the Baptist. They hugged and kissed, and after talking for a moment, Elizabeth was moved to rejoice in the precious child, the coming Messiah, carried in Mary’s swollen form. Mary responded in what has come to be called the ‘Magnificat,’ a beautiful collection of Old Testament prophecies regarding The Coming One, to be applied to Jesus. In this poem of hers, Mary spoke of the power of God:

“For the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His name.” A couple of lines later, she said, “He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.” Still, later she stated, “He has filled the Hungry with good things; and sent away the rich empty-handed.”

She was bragging about her God! ‘He was mighty; He had done great things; conquered the proud and evil, and fed the Hungry.’ In other words, her God, the One God, was greater than all others!

We who follow Jesus understand this! We don’t just believe our God is big and powerful, more than any other – we believe He is The One True God, the one and only God, who is over all!

More than 2000 years ago, two young women gathered and rejoiced in the power and glory of the One God. He was gracious and good and would punish evil, care for the downtrodden and give mercy and grace to all who came to Him.

Let us join these two women in our worship of the One God and give thanks this Christmas season for his great gift of new life in his son Jesus, who is The Christ.

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Every year on the first Sunday of December, our congregations reads interpretations of common Christmas decorations. Enjoy this special service.

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Have you ever noticed “the beautiful people?”

I went down to the local Dentistry College to meet a friend a few years ago, and I was confronted with a building full of “the beautiful people.” The young female dental students were all gorgeous and had beautiful smiles, and the male students were tall and good-looking, with broad shoulders and square jaws. I felt so out of place!

Interestingly, the world notices those who are physically attractive or come from ‘good families.’ There has been much research over the years. Anthropologists have concluded what most of us have observed: Those that are attractive and come from good backgrounds will get noticed first, receive preferential treatment in almost every area of life, and are even more likely to be elected to public office. People are naturally drawn to those that fit the profile of ‘the beautiful people!’

When you read your Bible, you will find that God not only teaches us to resist the tendency to show preferential treatment to people for any reason, but He also demonstrates that He is “no respecter of persons.” He loves all equally and chooses to use the efforts of anyone who will serve Him!

During this Christmas season, we will examine the understanding of two women, Mary and Elizabeth, who were heavily involved in the early days of Jesus’ life and ministry. They recognized and celebrated that God could use them in a powerful way, even though they had no social standing at all. God loved and cared for them and allowed their essential roles in his kingdom-building here on earth. This holiday season, let us rejoice that God loves us all and wants us all involved in his plans for eternity!

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The best way to support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.

We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

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Years ago, I started taking guitar lessons – visions of greatness danced in my head! I went to lessons, spent money on multiple guitars and all sorts of equipment, and practiced every day, sometimes for over an hour! I was going to ‘do it’ this time – I would not quit, slack off, or let anything keep me from mastering this instrument as I had in the past – it was that important!

Over time, though, I started skipping my daily practice sessions – once in a while. I continued to go to my lessons and still tried to keep going and improving, but over time something happened. I never really ‘decided’ to stop practicing and move on to other interests – I just did.

I finally quit my lessons and reduced my practice sessions to just a few minutes, two or three times a week. I had moved on!

I still believed that playing the guitar was important to me – but I was kidding myself, wasn’t I? My actions told a different story!

The Bible challenges us to look at our actions and not just our words. We might say that our faith is important to us, and even go to church and carry a Bible – but the truth of what we value can be seen in our actions and heard in our words.

In the Bible, Christians are told that they are “aliens and strangers” on this earth. This was not literal, of course; the author (Peter) was making the case that if their lives and values were firmly rooted in their faith in Jesus, they would not ‘fit’ well in this world. The matters of faith challenge the values of this world, and the actions commonly accepted by this world are often unacceptable and offensive to those who follow Jesus! It is almost as if we are ‘foreigners’ on this earth!

For those who seriously value the practice of their Christian faith, we are told to do a couple of things in our passage in I Peter 2. First, we are to resist the fleshly desires of this world, keep things in perspective, and not give in to the temptations that come. Second, we must ensure our actions reflect our faith because people are watching! Those in this world may not seek Jesus on their own, but when confronted by the witness of one who knows and follows Jesus and values him above all else, they may see something they desire or need and find Jesus. That is our goal!

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In churches, you will occasionally hear a success story of the Gospel:

Occasionally you hear a success story of a radical transformation by Jesus.

I recently talked with a good friend who works in a crisis pregnancy center run by a local church. A young pregnant drug addict came in seeking an abortion; they could not help her with that but tried to get her into a drug treatment program. She left and called back a few days later and had lost the baby. Months later, she came in again, still addicted and several months pregnant again. She and her boyfriend wanted an abortion.

Similarly, they could not help her with that, instead encouraging her to get treatment, carry the baby to term, and perhaps put it up for adoption. She was uninterested and left again. This time, however, she stayed in touch with my friend. She and her boyfriend had gotten involved in a housing ministry nearby; over months, her connections with those Christians began to affect her. Well over a year later, she came in to talk to a friend: She was clean and bright, drug-free, and had a beautiful baby girl! She and her now-husband had gotten clean, received Jesus, and worked in that housing ministry. Through her faith in Jesus, God's power completely changed her life!

Paul had written regarding how some people had become 'enemies of the cross of Christ because they rejected the Gospel truths.

The story above, though, proves that Jesus really can transform a life! Our faith may make us feel like we do not 'fit' in this world, so our beliefs and values are foreign. But we can live with the conviction that our faith is based on truth – the truth of the offer of new life in the message of Jesus!

Let us follow Jesus and allow him to transform us so that we might share the good news of the Gospel with others and bring Him all the glory!

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God has created us for greatness!

Years ago, a man named Johannes Guttenberg had an idea that would change the world. While working on a piece of jewelry in his shop, it occurred to him that he could make a letter out of metal, and somehow use it to print letters for notes on paper. He worked and toiled for months – he fiddled with different metals to use for the letters, then experimented with a variety of oils and chemicals to mix with ink, and then adapted a common winepress – and invented what came to be called the printing press. His invention was an immediate success – He printed over a hundred Bibles in the first year, and started what became a revolution around the world. Books were affordable, and available, to almost everyone. By all accounts, his printing press was one of the most important inventions of all time!

This is why God created us – to be successes in this life!

We are all creations of God – formed in His mind, before time began. He instills within us the capacity for thought, and emotion, and, yes, invention. He wants us to shine! Too, he created us “in his image,” with all sorts of abilities and characteristics that set us apart from all the animals.

The children’s song says it best, “red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world.” That’s us – the children, all different, but all equal – and all loved by God!

The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these videos with your friends and family.

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The air was crisp and cool, and my motorcycle ran great that afternoon. I sped up to the legal limit, which was far slower than I wanted to go, and for several miles, I just drifted along, taking

in the scenery and the pleasure of a good ride. And then I came upon a long, smooth straight on the road, and again I began to fight with the urge to ‘give it the gas’ and hear the roar of my motor flying down the road. I sped up, and then, as I approached the end of the straight, I let off the gas and slowed down. I was afraid! I wasn’t scared of the corner; no, I feared getting caught by a State Trooper and receiving a costly ticket! That fear slowed me down, as it almost always does. If I weren’t afraid, I would probably speed up all the time!

That’s the way it often is in our lives, isn’t it? There is a way we know we must live and act to ‘keep it together, but occasionally we have the desire to live and act differently, but we are a little

afraid. We may be fearful of getting into trouble or making someone mad; we may even be fearful of God!

For those who follow Jesus, a healthy fear of God can be very good! God wants us to live in a way that follows a narrow path;’ because the narrow path is the way of life: good relationships,

restrained behavior, and self-control. God loves us and wants us to have a good life; there may be times when the threat of judgment from God may be the only thing that keeps our behavior under control. The Bible says, in Proverbs 9, that “The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom,” which means that if we hold a healthy fear of God, it can be an influence for good in our life.

Let us all hold a healthy fear of the God who loves us – not because He wants to hurt us, but because He wants to bless us and enable us to live a good life full of joy!

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Focus, focus!

I heard the young mother repeat this to her toddler over and over. She was trying to get him up the steps, and he, every bit of 18 months old, was having some trouble. He was working on the steps and leaned down to touch a dead bug in his way. The steps were hard – because he couldn’t yet focus on them! After the mother said ‘focus,’ he looked up and smiled and was immediately distracted by my presence behind him. He turned and smiled at me and waved, and then, before his mother could say ‘focus!’ again, he was distracted by the sounds of a garbage truck in our parking lot.

We’ve all done it! Isn’t that how it is for many of us as we navigate our lives on this earth? We struggle and make efforts, but something distracts us before we finish what we started. Worse yet, we sometimes lose focus out of boredom, change of mood, or the influence of others.

In his sermon on the Mount, Jesus once encouraged his followers to ‘focus’ on their faith! He said it several times; the most memorable phrase was “seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness.” (Matthew 6:33). Jesus knew people – he had observed good and godly people losing their focus on their faith due to work, family situations, the pleasures of this world, and even the simple passage of what we often call ‘the daily grind.’ He knew that even the most faithful might ‘lose their focus on the practice of their faith. He challenged people to be faithful to God, day after day, despite everything else. Jesus knew, more than anyone, that the things of this world cannot compare to the wonders of a life lived with God! He called them to faith, and he called them to faithfulness.

Let me challenge you to ‘focus’ on Jesus! When we maintain our focus, God can use us in his service and lead us to be a blessing to those around us. That is the life that truly satisfies and is more valuable than anything this world offers! Make every effort to practice your faith in works of worship and service to others; too, pray often, renewing your commitments to Jesus every day.

The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these videos with your friends and family.

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I heard the little voice cry out through the car door, “But I don’t want to grow up!”

I could relate – sometimes, I would rather do whatever I want, and just not ‘grow up;’ but because I am no longer a small child, I don’t really have a choice! Sometimes, though, people resist growing up, don’t they?

In a passage in the book of Hebrews, the author tells the people in the early church that it is time for them to ‘grow up.’ He said it like this: “Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity. . . .” The early Christians were resistant to the whole idea of ‘growing up’ in their faith! They were content to talk about things of which they already understood, and continue in the practices that were comfortable to them – even if it hurt the Church! They weren’t bad people, of course, nor were they totally ignorant of Christian truth; they just didn’t want to do any more than that! Being mature in the faith meant thinking through the hard issues of life, and even making changes to the way you lived. They were confronted with a world that was not eager to follow Jesus, and there were social issues that were very difficult to deal with; it was easier to say, as did the young child to his mama, “But I don’t want to grow up!”

God wants us to ‘grow up’ in the way we live out our faith! This means learning some biblical truths, to be sure – but it is more than that! It is making a sincere effort to apply your faith to the tough issues of life. It also means that even though people are not perfect, they are still worthy of love and acceptance. It also means loving people as they are, and slowing encouraging them in their faith, rather than just condemning people in their sin and brokenness. Let us make the choice to ‘grow up,’ and become the people of God!

The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.

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Following Jesus is easy and clear – until it isn't! When someone first receives Jesus as Savior, the issue is usually very simple: "Do you want to be forgiven of your sins and commit to following Jesus?" The answer is usually, "Yes, I do." However, at some point, when the new convert begins to struggle against the sin that is their life, or they struggle with biblical teachings that challenge them, they begin to realize just how 'extreme' this Christian faith can become!

Faith's 'extreme' nature occurs in at least two areas of life. First, the very beliefs that lead to salvation are pretty extreme. We believe that our salvation is based on the truths of the Gospel: God came in the flesh as the infant Jesus and lived a sinless life; when he was about 33 years old, though, he was crucified by the Roman government and buried, and then came back to life after three days in the grave. This was God's way of cleansing us from our sin, a chance at a better life now, and an eternal life with Him after our life on this earth is over. This is an extreme set of beliefs!

The other area where the faith becomes extreme is in the area of how we are to live our daily lives. God calls us not only to learn some of the spiritual beliefs of the faith; He expects us to live our lives based upon those beliefs! The self-control of our emotions and passions, as well as offering love and forgiveness to others, are to be a value to those who follow Jesus. Too, He calls us to give up part of our lives to serve others in the name of Jesus, helping those in need and proclaiming the message of Jesus to anyone who will listen.

This is an extreme faith! It is much more than just "listen, and learn." It is also "practice and do!" When we live as God calls us to live, our lives are better.

God blesses us, and we can even become a blessing to those around us.

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God has blessed our nation! Every day I enjoy the blessings that God has showered upon our nation: Freedom, safety and security, a stable governmental framework, the list is endless! These blessings came to us not because we have earned it or are better than anyone else, but because God chose to bless us. We understand, of course, that when our lives generally follow biblical teachings God blesses us, and when we outright reject those teachings, God withholds those blessings. For instance, when we follow God’s teachings of grace and kindness towards others, we are blessed with peace and generally good relationships; when we reject those teachings, strife and unrest is our reward.

In the Old Testament, one of the great Jewish leaders, Joshua, gave a final speech before his retirement; he had led them for many years, and they had seen God do wondrous things, time after time. Joshua challenged the people to continue on in their faith. He left the choice up to them (I will paraphrase his speech): “Choose today who you will serve – the God who has been with you, or the gods of your enemies; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” He knew the source of good in this life, and he wanted his people to follow the faith he had given them!

This week we celebrate our God, and the wonders of this great nation he had allowed us to form. Let us be thankful to the God who loves us, and has blessed us; and let us continue to live in a way that honors Him!

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Jim and Shelly Myrick provide care for the children of missionaries in Africa. Their work allows the parents to continue their work sharing the gospel in villages and cities throughout Africa. Jim is sharing his experience with us today and how you can help support their ministry needs. If you would like to contribute to Jim and Shelly's Mission, you may do so by clicking here https://usgiving.aimint.org/missionary/145160

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This life can be a battle!

In one famous Old Testament story, a powerful soldier named Naaman had everything in life – but he was a leper. This was a then-incurable and disfiguring disease, and he had spent considerable time and resources trying to find a doctor or healer who could help him, but there was nothing anyone could do! One day a young slave girl tasked with caring for Naaman’s wife mentioned that there was a prophet in a nearby country who could heal him.

The wife told her husband, who immediately arranged with his King to make a trip to see this Hebrew prophet named Elisha. When he went to see him, there was little fanfare or commotion; the prophet sent a message through his servant that Naaman should go and wash seven times in the Jordan River, and he would be cleansed.

When he received this prescribed remedy, Naaman, at first, was angry! He had expected some religious incantations, along with things such as incense and holy men in special clothing, as that was how things were done in those days.

He at first refused, thinking the prophet had simply dismissed him. His servants, however, tried to talk to him.

After he calmed down, those traveling with Naaman reasoned with him and convinced him to go and do as Elisha had instructed. He made the trip to the Jordan river and washed seven times, per the prophet’s instruction. As soon as he came out of the river the seventh time, his skin appeared perfect and without blemish, much as a baby’s skin; it was an amazing sight! Miraculously, he was healed!

They made the trip back to thank Elisha, who received him. He would take no payment or gift, so Naaman went on his way back home, making preparations to worship the Hebrew God when he resumed his life, healed.

This is much of what we know about Naaman! He needed healing, and God healed him when he was obedient to the prophet’s instructions. After that, he became a man of faith in the Hebrew God and lived to tell the story of the God who healed him. No doubt his story impacted his family and all who knew him.

This is the way God works! Sometimes he heals those who need healing; at other times, he gives comfort and strength to those in difficult circumstances. Regardless of how God works, the best response to God is demonstrated by Naaman’s reaction: to become a faithful believer of the One God and to worship him in action and religious devotion.

If you need God to work in your life, pray to him in faith, believing He will help you! God’s help may not come in the form you choose, but He will always act to help people who will follow Him and let Him work in their life!

The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these videos with your friends and family.

We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

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God calls us to a life of honesty and integrity! This means that we speak the truth, and what we say we believe is supported by our words and actions. This is extremely important to God!

In the early church, there was a practice of selling your possessions and giving the proceeds to the church so that all would have food and clothing. One couple intended to do this but lied about the money they received after selling a piece of property. They gave a generous gift to the church but held back some for their purposes.

When confronted by the church leaders, they held to their story, and they were both struck dead by God’s power!

The fact that they held some of the money back for their purposes wasn’t the issue – there was no “requirement” from God that people give all the proceeds from a sale; the fact that they lied, though, both to the church and God, brought God’s judgment on them!

This story is somewhat terrifying and seems to challenge the teachings of the Bible regarding God’s love and forgiveness. The story's point is to teach us that God values the practice of speaking the truth and living by those words. It may not be a big deal to us in this sin-stained world, but it is a crucial element of the Christian life! Let us speak the truth, in all situations, with grace and compassion for others. Honesty really is “the best policy!”

The best way to support our Ministry is by sharing these videos with your friends and family.

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Don’t waste what you have been given! I remember the first time I heard this in a sermon, and it stuck in my head. The pastor was talking about our spiritual gifts, as well as the other things of value in our lives. His point was that Christians needed to live ‘responsible,’ lives. It was alright to have fun and goof off, but there does need to be a serious side of life, devoted to serving God and others.

Samson had a hard time with this lesson! He was born for greatness, to be sure, and raised in the Nazirite tradition, which was what we would today call an ‘old fashioned’ or ‘traditional’ lifestyle. His parents dedicated their precious son to God for service, and raised him well. Unfortunately, Samson wasn’t interested in a responsible or serious life. He instead liked to fight and drink, and chase the ladies. This lifestyle finally caught up to him!

Towards the end of his life his girlfriend betrayed him, and told a group of her friends the reason for his great powers – his long hair, that had never been cut. The hair wasn’t special, of course – but the devotion of his family towards God, symbolized by the hair, was. The men caught him when he was asleep and cut off his hair; he couldn’t fight them in his weakened condition, so they gouged out his eyes and made him a slave on a farm.

Eventually he was the entertainment at a drunken party. He prayed to God for strength one last time, and God restored him. He pulled down the pillars to which he was chained, and a large group of Philistines, as well as Samson himself, were killed. He was buried later by his family.

What a story of a wasted life! Samson would tell us, “Don’t do what I did – it’s not worth it. Keep the faith, and serve God with all you’ve been given. That is the secret to a life that is worth living.”

The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these videos with your friends and family.

We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

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While attending my son’s graduation, I was inspired by the decorated caps of some of the graduates. They tried to summarize their college experience in a few words, funny phrases or clever sayings. It got me thinking, as did the commencement speaker, that we all have a story. Our circumstances, decisions, faith, people we meet, and events that take place influence us along our life’s journey. Joseph’s story illustrates how God uses those factors to shape us as we navigate our story.

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We have all made mistakes! Sometimes others know what we’ve done. At other times we get caught, and everyone knows who we really are. It can be a terrible experience!

One day, while Jesus was teaching in the temple, an angry mom brought to him a woman caught in adultery – they wanted to kill her!

They put Jesus to the test – would he join them or not? If he joined in, the crowd would reject Jesus as part of a corrupt religious establishment; if he resisted, he would look ‘soft on crime’ and seem to stand against the Law. However, without saying a word, though, Jesus squatted down and wrote something in the dirt. He commented, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” The crowd drifted away because everyone there had sinned. Finally, it was only Jesus and the woman.

He asked her, “Who condemns you?” She answered, “No one, Lord.” With a loving smile on his face, he then said, “Neither do I; go on your way, and sin no more.”

No one expected this! Without falling for the trap put before him, He saved the woman’s life and gave her another chance. She was guilty; she deserved punishment, but instead, Jesus offered her grace and mercy.

God offers us grace, and mercy, too! Let us receive that grace and live the life of faith; let us also share the grace of God with others. We are all sinners who deserve punishment for our sins, but through Jesus, God gives us another chance.

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God is always at work – even when you cannot see it! At one point in the Apostle Paul’s life, he traveled with a group of preachers to a distant land to share the gospel message. At first, things went well, and a wealthy woman converted to the Christian faith. A few days later, though, Paul offended some of the wealthy businessmen, ended up being beaten by an angry mob, and thrown into prison. God worked to release him, though, and God used Paul to lead the jailer and his family to receive Christ. Everything worked out in the long run, but it was a harrowing experience!

If Paul and his friends could talk to us today, they would probably tell us many truths based on their experiences. The first might be that our world is full of corrupt and unjust people! No matter where you go, you will find people who take advantage of others and even use violence to keep them under their control. The other could be the eternal truth that God is at work even though there are evil people in this world! Paul ended up beaten and in jail, but God miraculously set him free and even used him to lead his jailer to faith in Christ. What began as a terrible experience turned out to be one of the more dramatic conversion stories in the New Testament. God was at work!

Not much has changed in this world. There are still very powerful people who are corrupt and unfair; the reality is that God is still in control! God works all the time, giving faith and hope to those who respond to him.

Let us all follow Him and experience his grace and power in our lives.

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We’ve all had bad days, haven’t we? Something goes wrong, we have a conflict with a family member or co-worker, and we’re upset or ‘off’ the rest of the day. We go on, though, and the next day is usually better. How do you react, though, when something happens of a more serious nature? Do you fret and worry, even cry? Do you talk to others? Or does it put you in a bad mood, to the point where you are rude or dismissive towards others?

The Apostle Paul had many ‘bad days;’ in fact, he sometimes had bad days that ended up hurting him for some time – and in a couple of instances, they affected him for several years! Here’s what he learned to do:

First, he reminded himself of how God had worked in the past and of the ways God’s Word addressed specific fears and situations. Of course, this didn’t really change the situation, but it helped his perspective.

Another thing he did when the ‘bad day’ affected others was encourage them with his faith-based perspective. He knew that if he was suffering, so were others – and he wanted to help them!

Finally, he learned to make the best of a situation and talk to others about the way God has acted in history to help us deal with our struggles and even the sin that tends to make things worse.

People need to hear about Jesus, of course, but they also need encouragement as they go through the struggles of this life. Let’s follow Paul’s example – especially in the bad days of this life! Paul became an encourager based on his faith in Jesus and his love for people.

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One of the most significant challenges of the resurrection is living ‘the resurrection life!’ This is what following Jesus is all about! You see, it’s one thing to say you have received Jesus as Savior and go through the ritual of baptism, but it’s quite another to allow God to change your heart and affect the way you live your life.

When Paul wrote his letter to the church at Rome, there were Christians who said all the right things, went to church and acted spiritually correct when it suited them. However, they often turned back to their old, sinful ways at other times. Paul confronted them by saying, “Are we to continue in sin that grace might increase? May it never be!” (Romans 6:1,2) It is a rejection of the Lordship of Jesus to turn back to sin after professing to be a believer and must be resisted at every turn!

Paul explained that one of the reasons resisting sin in one’s life is so important is because we who follow Jesus “have been buried with Him through baptism into death.” (v.4) He makes it clear: “If we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection.” (6:5) We are united with Christ in this life of faith! Our baptism symbolizes our unity with Jesus in our ‘death to self’ and being ‘raised to newness of life.’

In short, if you follow Jesus, you have a responsibility to live in a way that accurately reflects the Christ we serve and honor him in every way.

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Jesus is alive! Those words rang out from two women very early that first Easter morning, causing everyone to take notice. When people die, they stay in the grave – that is the course of us all. Jesus, though, was different. He had predicted that he would rise again, to be sure, but people really didn’t know what to think when he said it; no-one comes back from the dead!

The story of the resurrection can comfort, of course, but it can also challenge us. What if the stories of the God in the Bible are true? What if there is ‘life after death;’ how would that affect us? This story of Jesus coming back from the dead is a story from human history; it is at least as verifiable as any other story in ancient history. If true, it demonstrates God’s ability, and willingness, to get involved in the affairs of man. Too, based on the change in the disciple’s lives after the resurrection, God’s actions can dramatically change us – make us stronger, bolder, more courageous; even willing to die for a cause!

Finally, the resurrection challenges us to consider the reality of life after death. If the story is true, death is not final – people of faith will live again, to love, and laugh, and know joy. We will be able to face death in all its forms with courage, and even hope – that God can work, now, even as He did then.

Jesus is alive!

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God loves us! If the message of Easter says anything at all, it is that simple message: God loves us; He always has, and he always will!

Because of his great love for us, God continues to reach out to us all and extend a hand of forgiveness and fellowship and eternal life. When we consider the story of the cross, several ideas come to mind: God pursues us, even in our sin; 2) Only God has acted to save us from our sin, and 3) God acted because he knew we would fail in our own efforts at self-correction.

As we come to the weekend whereby Christians worldwide consider the cross, let us consider how we might accept this story of God’s actions. He loves us before time began, He loves us as we live in our sin, and He will continue to love us until the end of time.

The picture of the cross is a picture of God’s greatest act of love through his son Jesus, the Christ!

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God wants to help us in this life! In the early church, people struggled with their old, sinful ways of life. They were saved, to be sure, but they still struggled to understand what actions were sinful and how those sinful actions and thoughts could hurt them and those they loved. Paul taught them what actions were sinful, ungodly, and inappropriate for those who followed Jesus. Too, he explained to them that there was nothing they could ‘do,’ in terms of good works, that could help them. They were helpless in their battle against sin!

At work in their lives through their faith in Jesus, the reality of God’s grace gave them hope! The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus conquered sin, and those who placed their faith in Jesus could overcome the sin in their lives. When they followed Jesus and submitted to the teachings of God’s Word in the scriptures, they could learn to live in a way that could heal their broken relationships, bring them joy in this life, and hope for the life to come. They learned to rest in the statement’s truth, ‘In Jesus, and in Jesus alone, there is life!’

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God wants us to live a godly life – and He will teach us how to do that!

In the early church the Christians were still very much “pagan” in their practices – they had received Jesus as Savior and were learning what to believe, but they needed more. The Apostle Paul knew their situation, and taught them to live a different kind of life – a life that was based on the Truth that was in Jesus. This new life not only had a new set of beliefs and values; it also had a number of specific practices that were distinctly different from that with which they had grown up. Paul taught them to be honest and to control their anger, to restrain their sexual practices, and many other actions that would affect their relationships with others and their witness in the community. Being ‘Christian’ was a lifestyle, and more than just ‘believing in Jesus!’

God wants the same for us today, of course. Receiving Jesus as Savior is the beginning point; allowing Him to change our lives is the lifelong task of discipleship – this is what God wants for all who follow Him!

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God loves us and wants to help us in this life, and one of his gifts to help us is. . . government! God’s plan for humanity was for people to live in a relationship with each other, in love and peace. Because we resist his teaching, He gave us government – to instruct us, to unite us, and yes, to punish us and ‘keep us in line.’

God’s power over us allowed Him to establish governments and use them to help us – all governments are come from God and used by Him. God even works in bad governments in his sovereignty, bringing about good. If we want to be a people of faith, we will recognize his power and submit to his plans for us – we will be good ‘citizens’ and express His love for us all in the way we relate to people and government.

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Have you ever had the perfect fast food experience? An experience where the line moved quickly the food was ready quickly and it was actually correct?! How does a trip through the fast food drive-thru line usually go? We wait forever in line. The order is wrong and sometimes not even fresh. As Christians we will see in 2nd Timothy chapter 4 that we need to be ready to serve up the hot fresh Gospel of Jesus Christ, but many times we might be serving the mediocre poorly prepared food of half baked Christianity.

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God wants to use us in ministry – and He often gives us special ‘gifts’ to enable us to serve his kingdom well! Most of us have heard the term ‘spiritual gifts,’ but we may not know what they are. Simply put: ‘Spiritual gifts are abilities and characteristics in the Christian’s life that enable God to use them in the most effective ways possible.’ Some of these gifts have to do with the more public needs in a church, such as teaching or preaching, while some are more behind the scenes, such as that of hospitality or administration. Regardless of the gift, the one who has received a gift has a responsibility to discover that gift, and then develop it fully, so as to be as useful to God’s Kingdom as possible.

Interestingly, God values not only our effectiveness in ministry; He also values our attitudes and actions towards others when we are involved in ministry. Gifts and actions are important, to be sure; the ‘more excellent way,’ though, is to be loving and gracious to others as we minister to others. Grace and kindness are important, as is a sense of humility and love towards those in need.

God wants to use you, and He has ‘gifted’ you in some way. Discover and develop your gift, and live the life God has planned for you!

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Rev Kev was feeling under the weather, so Associate Minister of Student Ministries Russell Peirce preached in his stead. We are grateful Russ was able to step in last minute and preach on Discovering True Love

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What does God Want Me to Do? “I Want You to Control Yourself” Galatians 5 God wants our lives to be stable and fulfilling, and He wants to help us have that kind of life! In the early church people were having all sorts of problems: they were fussing amongst themselves, struggling with sexual temptations in a very pagan culture, and living lives that were no different than their non- Christian neighbors. God wanted more for them! God used Paul to teach those early Christians, and us, that one key to a good life was the practice of self-control. People did not have to live their lives at the mercy of their emotions and desires, and they could learn to live without sin. Their relationships would be better, and their lives would be more stable. When they did this, God could work in them and through them, and bless their lives.

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It is always a challenge to get a group of people to work together on a task: especially when they are ‘butting heads’ over who’s in charge, and tempers flare! I’ve seen this at home and in the workplace, at schools, and yes, even at church. Working together can be hard work!

James was writing to Christians who were throughout the Roman Empire, and they were just trying to make a living, all the while forming new churches wherever they went. It was an important time in the early church, and the faithful were struggling. There was tension and anxiety, times were hard, and people got angry at each other. They fought over who was in charge, who knew best what to do, and even over the details of how they were to “do” church. Part of what James wrote in chapter 1 of his letter was to help them learn to work together.

James taught those early Christians lessons that we still must learn, if our churches are to succeed. Christians must keep their anger (and their tongues), under control, and learn to listen to each other and understand their concerns. Too, the form of worship and how you “do” church is not nearly as important as the ministry Christians do in the name of Jesus. When Christians accept the teachings given in the Word of God, and become “doers” of the faith, the church is strengthened, and the gospel message is heard.

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My first car was an old pickup that I intended to make into a hot-rod; it was awesome! I was going to build a big motor for it and put on loud pipes, lower the front-end, and then put on really wide tires – I was so excited! One day as I was tinkering on this truck with my dad (an old hot-rodder and mechanic himself), I was going on about all the cool stuff I was going to do. I went on non-stop for a long time – finally my dad said, in that exasperated voice I knew so well, “How about we fix the brakes first?” I said ok, and kept talking about all the cool stuff. Finally my dad nearly yelled, in a clearly angry voice, “Why don’t we fix the brakes first, so you don’t crash it the first time you drive it!” I finally stopped talking, and we rebuilt the brakes.

It is easy to focus on what excites or interests you, and ignore what may be more important, isn’t it? We can do that in so many areas of life – cars, marriages, even faith!

One day Jesus was confronted by religious leaders, and they tried to ‘trip him up’ with trick questions; but Jesus was alert to their scheme! Rather than get excited and drawn into an argument, he responded to their questions about important teachings by quoting scripture. To some it all up, what He said was simple: “Love God, and Love people.”

Jesus wasn’t saying the other issues of faith weren’t important; he was making the point that if people of faith didn’t love God, and love people, then their religious ideals didn’t really mean very much at all!

He was right, wasn’t he? Knowing Bible teachings and observing worship is important, to be sure; but if we don’t love God and love people, it’s just words.

Love God, and love people. That’s what God wants you to do!

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I remember an argument between an older brother and my Father, which went on for some time. Finally I heard my brother wail, “Daddy, what do you want from me? I just don’t know what you want!” The argument calmed after that, and I went on about my business. That was a fair question though, wasn’t it?

We may ask that of our parents or spouse, our children, and maybe even of God. “What do you want from me?”

Today I begin a series of messages in which try to imagine, using passages in the Bible, the ways God might answer that question. God’s first “answer” is simple: “Let me lead you to a life of faith.”

We were created by God to be a people of faith – it is ‘hard wired’ into our brains! When we practice a godly faith we live and feel better, and everything about our lives are more fulfilling. When we fail in the practice of faith we stumble into sin, and suffer the consequences. The faith God offers us in Jesus can bring joy into our lives, and help us avoid the destruction that sin always brings. This faith from God is offered to everyone, and comes without cost – we must only receive it, and follow God through His son, Jesus.

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God is a good and gracious God; He is generous and loving, and works on our behalf in almost every situation! We are privileged to know and worship Him, and have a sense of his presence in our lives. ! The Apostle Paul taught those in the Roman church that because of God’s great worth and value, the best response is to worship Him, and serve Him in every way we can. Our faith will lead us to focus intently upon Him, and shape our lives around His work, and teachings. When we do this, we can begin to experience the fullness of God’s presence, and the blessings that only God can give.

The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.

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God calls us to follow Him “in spirit and in truth;” He says nothing about correct form! When Jesus told the story about the Pharisee and the Tax collector in prayer, He made it clear that the one that most thought was righteous had failed miserably before God; it was the one they thought was a ‘sinner’ that got it right! We must always be careful to not allow the form of our faith – worship practices and belief systems – become more important than a humble heart, and love towards God and others. God calls to be honest with ourselves and recognize our sin, and to love and give grace to others – as God has given grace to us.

The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.

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One of our greatest natural enemies is from within – it is our fear! Fear of the new, fear of the unknown, fears of nature and the actions of others – we have all experienced them. Fear isn’t necessarily bad, in and of itself; but the way we respond to our fears can have a tremendous impact upon our lives! After the Exodus experience, God’s people missed out on a tremendous blessing from God because of the way they responded to our fears; they allowed their fears to lead them to reject God’s leadership, and missed their chance to receive the gift of The Promised Land. We must never follow their lead on this – we must recognize our fears for what they are – an emotional response to something in life – and then respond to those fears from a perspective of faith. God can calm our fears, and help us to act in a way that allows Him to work with us, and overcome this ‘enemy’ that would keep us back. As the Bible says many times, “do not be afraid.”

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Life can be hard, and there are times that we cannot seem to gain any kind of peace in a situation. We are all familiar with worry and anxiety, and know that sometimes we just can’t escape these feelings. This week we talk about the ‘enemy’ of worry and anxiety, and understand that we are sometimes in a fight for our lives, as we deal with what life has brought our way. God knows us, and has spoken through His Word to help. The Apostle Paul taught those in the early church not to let their worries get the best of them. Allow God to work as you confront your worries from a spiritual perspective; and learn from God’s Word ways that we can deal with our issues in ways that can give us a sense of peace and calm, in spite of our circumstances. As the scriptures teach us, “Cast all your cares upon God, because He cares for you.” I Peter 5:7

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We all have ‘enemies’ in our lives! These enemies may not be individuals, but rather experiences or situations that threaten us, discourage us, and maybe even make us feel like giving up. We can fight these enemies! God helped the prophet Elijah fight his enemies when he was at his lowest point – he was defeated, discouraged, and had really given up on his ministry. God came and encouraged him, though, and helped him do the things that he needed to do to get his life moving again. He overcame his discouragement, and went on to live the life that God had called him to. Let’s learn from Elijah, and overcome the enemies that would hold us down!

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Jesus’ death was entirely predictable – He had made all the wrong people angry, and they needed to shut him down – permanently! Through the crucifixion those in power hoped to discredit him as a criminal, and eliminate his influence in their culture. It didn’t work, of course. In fact, their murderous act, intended to shut him up, was used by God to bring about an action that proved that Jesus was, literally, here to stay. He raised him from the dead! God used Jesus’ death on the cross as a payment for the sins of humanity, and raised him from the dead by his mighty power. Salvation from sin was now a reality, and the power of death was overcome. Jesus was alive; and because He was, and is alive forever, we too, can live!

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God calls us to make time for Jesus, because He made time for us! When we read Paul’s letter to Timothy, we learn that God wants us to pray for others, so that God can work in their lives, and that we might learn to love even those with whom we disagree. Too, God has acted in Jesus because He loves everyone! When we love others as God loves us, our lives can be filled with peace, and we will be more able to live in peace with those around us. Paul also called Jesus our “Mediator;” that is, He will stand with us when we go to God in prayer, and face Him in eternity. Finally, Jesus our “Mediator” is also the One who has paid our ransom; no longer are we slaves to our sin. We have been set free because of Jesus’ work on the cross!

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Our lives are often lived response to the influences around us – either good or bad; God calls us to something better! God used the Apostle Paul to teach us that He desires that we live our lives as “living and holy sacrifices” to him. This is a life that is not lived in response to forces outside our lives, such as culture and friends; rather, it is a life lived in response to the movement of God’s Spirit from within. This comes about as we make decisions to follow the teachings in His Word, and consciously choose to resist the influences that would lead us away from God’s path for our lives.

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Context:

Josiah is King
Israel is in idolatrous rebellion
Less than 1 generation away from Babylonian captivity

What God and Jeremiah are up to:

Jeremiah is one of the prophets tasked by God to warn Israel.

He’s told to go to the potter’s shop:

God gives Jeremiah an object lesson

Jer. 18:3 Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something on the wheel. 4 But the vessel that he was making of clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he remade it into another vessel, as it pleased the potter to make.

The creative process in not simple…

I once had an art teacher that wouldn’t allow the use of erasers. We had to find ways to use what we had done. It forced me to change my mind about what the finished product was going to be.

God shares his burden

5 Then the word of the Lord came to me saying, 6 “Can I not, O house of Israel, deal with you as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.

What we value usually becomes what molds us. This is because with time we identify with it.

What does God want to do for those that are faithful, and obedient when molding us?

9 I might speak concerning a nation or concerning a kingdom to build up or to plant it;

In other words, God wants to be the foundation we’re built on, and soil we’re rooted in.

But what if He’s not? God issues a warning

11b ‘Thus says the Lord, “Behold, I am fashioning calamity against you and devising a plan against you. Oh turn back, each of you from his evil way, and reform your ways and your deeds.”

What are the Israelites up to?

19:4 Because they have forsaken Me and have made this an alien place and have burned sacrifices in it to other gods they have filled this place with the blood of the innocent 5 built the high places of Baal to burn their sons in the fire as burnt offerings to Baal

“The pain of staying the same has to be greater than the pain of change in order for true change to occur.”

Greg fell when we have misplaced our value it’s hard to recognize sin.

Many times our sin becomes a part of our identity as a result.

Where does our value come from?

3 types of biblical law

Moral
Civic
Ceremonial

What are we up to?

The Law of Moral is one of pursuit, which is how God is able to mold us.

Pursuit = change

If we’re not in pursuit of the Holy Spirit of God are we not in sin?

When we don’t pursue Christ we’re forced to make hard choices, and sacrifices, though in the moment it may feel easier like auto-pilot.

Sin is like a patient fisherman in that case…

Story credit to Kim Meeder and her Book “Revival Rising”

What are we sacrificing to avoid change?

What should we do?

Repent – Put your faith in Christ, and what He values

Pursue Christ – Realize your identity in Him

Walk in the spirit – Watch as God changes the world around you

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When we make time for God in our life, we will find that He is constantly with us, and making an effort to help us in some way. God helps us through his written Word as He teaches us eternal truths, and calls us to live according to that Word. When we do that our lives are better, stronger, and resistant to the lies of our pagan world. Too, God helps us by giving us His Spirit, who dwells within us. His presence is a constant comfort, as well as a help through the challenges of this life. This life we live can be a life of blessing, as we allow God to teach us how to live, and receive his help in every situation. God has planned to be a force for good in our lives!

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Whenever we consider something in life that is important, we understand that we need to make time for it in life. Jesus and the Christian faith is like that – it is as important as anything in life, and we need to make time for the development and practice of that faith in our life! There will always be those that make claim to our lives, but we must be aware that only a few things in this life are truly worthy of our time and devotion. Jesus came once and established himself as The One from God; and he will return to us in the latter days to claim his followers as His own. He alone is worthy of worship, and complete devotion!

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God wants us to be discerning when it comes to true spirituality! We have an almost unlimited capacity to deceive ourselves: we ignore facts, compare ourselves to those who are ‘worse’ than we are, and sometimes even lie to ourselves, all in order to feel good about ourselves. The church at Laodicea was doing just that; by measuring their spirituality against other churches and groups, rather than God’s eternal teachings, they saw themselves as spiritually healthy and righteous. Jesus condemned them, though, because the truth was they were spiritually dead! Their self-deception separated them from God, and made them almost useless to Him. The church was called to repentance; Jesus offered to come into their lives if they would only open up their hearts to Him.

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Even though Jesus calls us in His Church to all we can to reach the world around us, we have to accept the fact that many will reject Jesus, no matter what we do! We must remember to evaluate our church’s ministries by the standards Jesus himself used, and make sure our loyalties remain with him that the approval of those in this world. God rewards those who are faithful, and will care for them into eternity.

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It’s all about Jesus! We’ve heard people say that, and it is particularly true for the way the Church is to function. Everything we do is to either explain the work of Jesus in our salvation, or to demonstrate how life can be different, and better, when it revolves around him. The early church in the city of Sardis forgot this; they did many things well, but they had moved away from a focus on the salvation that is in Christ – and Jesus condemned them for it! We are to be always faithful to Jesus: to share the message of salvation through his death on the cross, and the resurrection from the dead, in everything we do.

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Those who have the ability to lead others can have a tremendous impact on a church – for good, or for evil! It is important that church members monitor the strong in their church, to ensure that their influences are good, moral, and Bible Based. Even as they continually test the spirits in their congregation, though, a healthy church will never let an individual or group lead them from engaging in ministry to others. The ministries of the church are to be always faithful to scriptural teachings and based upon faith, rather than on the strong personalities in the congregation.

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Jesus calls on His church to teach spiritual and moral truth, and correct those that distort that truth. We must learn to be alert to the teachings of those in our church, and be willing to ask them to explain themselves, and even challenge them if they say something that does not sound ‘according to the Bible.’ There have always been false teachers and teachings in the church; when these false teachings are allowed to develop a foothold, they may turn people away from the true faith, or lead them to act in a way that may bring physical, emotional, or spiritual harm to someone. As always, God blesses us for our faithfulness to Him, and brings joy into our lives when we obey his teachings.

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From the very beginning of the Church, God’s people were often under attack! At times they were oppressed and persecuted by those around them simply because they were different than others; sometimes it was because their faith challenged the other faiths in the area. Too, the various political powers often chose to oppress the Christians for a variety of reasons. Regardless, it was hard to follow Jesus! In the church at Smyrna there was persecution, and Jesus spoke to them in the Revelation to acknowledge their faithful suffering, and encouraged them to ‘keep the faith.’ For those that suffer for their faith there are blessings, both in this life, and in the life that is to come. We are to be strong as we endure the sufferings of this life, and keep the faith!

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A church’s leadership can have a huge impact upon its members’ lives.

We want, and need, church leaders that are emotionally and spiritually mature.

Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep, but are really wolves that will tear you apart.” -Jesus (Matthew 7:15)

God’s people must not allow their defense of the faith destroy their loving spirit.

A church that treats people poorly is no longer a church; a church without love is not a church.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

By this all men will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

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God loves us – and He wants to help!

Can you remember a couple of individuals that made an impact in your life, such as a family member or teacher/mentor? We all have people in our lives that have shaped and taught us – it is one of the ways God “gifts” us - with good teachings and influences. He does this because He loves us, and wants to instill within us an ethic for life. An “ethic” is simply an overall approach to life and relationships – the set of ideas and controls that guide your life!

The teachings God sends us are based upon His eternal love for us all.

King David understood this: Psalms 25:4-6, 8-10

David acknowledges that God’s ways are based on His desires to provide a path for life and salvation. Here are a couple of things David mentions:

A Godly Ethic for life

Based on God’s eternal wisdom: “For they have been from of old.” (v.6) God’s knowledge and wisdom are eternal! The path of life is the same in every age, and every culture. What actions and characteristics led to life and joy thousands of years ago, can do the same today. A godly lifestyle is never ‘out of date’ this kind of life can always guide us on a path that leads to joy and fulfillment. It may not be popular, and it may lead one to live in a way that seems outdated, but God’s wisdom and teachings are eternal, because they are based upon God’s eternal character!

It is for everyone: “Therefore He instructs sinners in the way.” (v.8) As you know, God created us all as equals, and the creation and fall story – that of being created in God’s image and without sin, and then choosing to sin – is everyone’s story! And just as the story of God’s salvation to come was for those in the original story, so too is the offer of salvation to all of us through the knowledge of the Gospel. God instructs sinners in “the way” – the way of life, and the way of salvation. We all need to hear this message!

When people hear the instruction of God and begin to live their lives as God teaches, their lives get better: more stable, healthier relationships, and less of the self-destructive actions that come so naturally to us all.

God’s ways shape our lives

A life based on God’s teachings will develop and follow the ‘ethic’ of God.

Whenever there is a big change in one’s life, there are a variety of factors and behaviors to consider. For instance, if an overweight middle-aged man such as myself wants to ‘get in shape,’ there are many things to address: diet: sugar and meats and vegetables; heart: cholesterol and blood pressure and conditioning; even ‘lifestyle’: watching tv often, walking, etc. There is no “one” thing to do, and only doing one thing won’t make much difference. It is the same for so many areas of life: even the effort to develop an ethic for life that is from God!

-Whenever we talk about a ‘path’ of life, particularly an ‘ethic’ from God, we aren’t talking about any one practice or idea – it is a collection of beliefs and practices that make up an ‘ethic’ towards life!

Jesus addressed this truth in his Sermon on the Mount. READ Matthew 7:24-27

Jesus used the analogy of one building a house: if you build upon a solid foundation, your house would stand in a storm; if you build upon sand, however, the house would fall. Jesus, making this point in vv.24, and 26, said this: “acts upon them. . . does not act upon them.” If you build your life on his teachings it will stand, if you do not, it will crumble.

Here are just a few of the parts of a ‘solid foundation,’ or “godly ethic’ Jesus mentioned in his sermon on the mount:

Elements of a Godly Ethic

Healthy relationships, 5:3-10: A high value in the Christian faith

Sincerity, 5:20: The problem with the Pharisees was their hypocrisy, and all saw it.

Emotional restraint, 5:21-24: This ‘fruit of the Spirit,’ is a primary factor of life-success.

Financial gifts, 6:2: Vital to the faith is not only the practice of sharing with those in need; it is also important to resist being too tied to one’s possessions.

Developing this godly ‘ethic’ for life is always a good and profitable practice – for everyone! This ‘ethic,’ when lived consistently, becomes a way by which God works within our lives. God can use us, and bless us as we live out our faith.

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What do you want for Christmas? That used to be an easy one for me; a car or motorcycle part, a gun or accessory for a gun, maybe even a tool; easy-peasy, right? I worried and stressed about the list this year, and I couldn’t come up with much – finally, I listed a couple of books about airplanes and engines, and then, “bacon.” Hickory smoked bacon, thick sliced. I gave her the list and she said, “Seriously – bacon?” with her eyes rolled back in her head. I finally explained that I really didn’t want so much stuff anymore – I would be satisfied if the kids and grandkids would just come down and eat with us, and I could just spend some time with them, that would be enough, and be a really good Christmas.

I imagine a lot of you are at that point in your life, too. It’s not that you profoundly spiritual or anything, it’s just that your garage or closet or basement is full, stuff doesn’t do much for you anymore, and you just want to get together with those you love – and that’s enough! If everyone is healthy, and the planets align and the pandemic doesn’t shut us all down, we’ll get together with those we love 2, 3, maybe even 4 times in a month – it really can be “the happiest time of the year!”

Maybe that’s one of the values of the Christmas season– one of the gifts that God planned for us all. The joy of giving; the anticipation of pleasing those you love; the time spent with friends and family, eating and laughing and talking, and the pictures!

It’s all about relationships! Relationships with those you love, and that life-changing relationship with the God you love. One of God’s greatest gifts is experienced in our “gatherings:”

God has given us the gift of a faith-based guide for our relationships.

In our enlightened culture, it seems we are finally beginning to realize just how important our relationships with others are; in fact, the acceptance of this great truth may be one of the best things to come out of our battle with Covid 19. The things of this life are woefully inadequate to make us happy; it is obvious that we cannot be happy if we are separated from those we love!

Jesus understood this; over and again he spoke on the value of people, and of loving and nurturing your relationships with them. Most of his “Sermon on the Mount,” dealt with relationships – both with God, and others. READ Matthew 5:5-9

(Matthew 5 “beatitudes:” “gentle,” v.5, “merciful,” v.7, and “peacemakers.” V.9): These are not complicated or revolutionary concepts, to be sure – but when put into practice regularly, our lives will radically improve, because of their profound impacts upon the relationships in our lives! Jesus included these teachings because: 1) He wanted us to experience good relationships in our lives, and 2) He wanted his followers to understand that good relationships with others is a Christian value!

Here is just one more of his most popular teachings that is simple and easily understood, and at the same time profoundly life-changing: “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12

You know this as the “Golden Rule,” of course, and it completely eliminates the need for most of the rules and lists you will find in today’s “self-help” culture. Jesus simply says: “treat people the way you want to be treated!”

Here’s just one real-life example of how this works: If I cut someone off in traffic accidentally, I wave, and would like a little mercy. So if someone cuts me off, and they waive as if to say “I messed up,” I will give mercy, without road rage.

In this situation, my “old-fashioned” faith can guide me in a very modern situation!

Simply put: God wants to “gift” us with good relationships, so He teaches us how to have them! Incredibly, He even gets involved to help:

God is present to help us in our relationships.

You’ve heard the old adage, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” There are times when we want to do the right thing, but can’t make ourselves do it, right? Even for Christians this can be a problem; especially when it comes to some of our messy relationship issues!

As I said earlier, God wants to “gift” us with good relationships – so not only does He teach us relationship truths in scripture, He gets personally involved in our lives to help us to the right thing!

READ John 16:7 “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.”

One of the great gifts that come as a result of the death and resurrection of Jesus is the presence of God’s Holy Spirit within us! Before that time, the Spirit of God came to certain people for a specific task or length of time; but after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, the Holy Spirit was made available to all who would follow Jesus as Savior. God literally “lives within us.”

There are all sorts of advantages to His presence, of course – and many of these advantages have to do with developing healthy relationships. Paul explained this in his letter to the church at Galatia: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23) These are the result of the Holy Spirit working within us, and every one of them helps us do our part for good relationships. He teaches us, He can give us the ability to relate well to others, and He can even give us the desire to relate will to others, as an act of our faith in Jesus.

God has given us the gift of good relationships; Not only has he given us teachings based on Creator-God’s understanding of our heart and soul, He has promised to be with us, in every situation, to help us. Because of God’s work in the Christ-child, we can truly “love one another.”

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Over course of last several months, I’ve experienced great frustration with the varying “scientific” evidence regarding the Covid virus, treatments, and the effectiveness of mask wearing. I had one discussion with a good friend, trained in the science, explain it to me: “Science is never really finished; what we may know one day is only what we know that day; as we learn and study, our understandings may change.” That didn’t help my level of frustration at all – I wanted to know the facts – period – not just today’s understandings.

Most of us don’t want to hear that kind of talk – we don’t want today’s understandings - we just want to know the truth. It is this way in so many areas of life – even in the spiritual realm!

God understands! It can give great comfort when we understand that there are answers to some of our greatest questions in life, and they are the answers that have been with us for centuries, and they will never change, or evolve!

Ephesians 2:1-10

One of God’s gifts in Jesus is the gift of unchanging spiritual truth.

There are times when it is almost impossible to determine the truth of a situation – and the more important it is, sometimes the more difficult it may be to determine the truth! To make matters worse, in our current culture anyone with a smart phone and internet hook-up can spout off some craziness, and claim to be an expert – and they will get a following!

God knows what we need, and what has the ability to bring us joy and comfort and strength – and He demonstrates that by teaching us of those things that never change.

God gives us a foundation for life that is unchanging – eternal truth from the mind of God. We see that in the passage we read:

God’s Gift of Spiritual Truth

To the question: “What about God and the spirits?”

Godly and Ungodly forces: “the course of this world,” and “the prince of the power of the air,” and “the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience,” (v.2), and we all lived “in the lusts of our flesh, including the desires of the flesh,” and “were by nature children of wrath.” (v.3) Paul was describing the world without Christ, full of evil forces and characters; and then he contrasted those spiritual truths with the assertion that there is good to counter the evil that is present! “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us . . . made us alive together with “Christ.” (v.5)

So this is the acknowledgement of the evil that is at work on this earth, and the assertion that God is at work, challenging the work of the Evil One, and ultimately conquering evil through His son, Jesus. Evil will not just “go away,” nor can we depend upon the wonders of the educational process or progressive ideologies - it is a part of this world that is forever with us, and will only, and ultimately, be defeated through God’s work on the cross. This enables us to maintain a sense of humility, and a healthy sense of skepticism of anything, or anyone, that promises to “fix” our problems!

To the question: “What happens when we die?”

Spiritual life and death: “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins,” (v.5), contrasts with vv. 4- 5 where we are told that “God made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved.” There is a spiritual life and death, determined by God’s work in your life, through Jesus.

The eternal truths here are clear: there is good and evil in this world that will always be here. And the only way to overcome the evils of this life are through Jesus – not by good works and intellect or “family,” but through God’s grace. God’s grace strips away the powers of evil, and of religious leadership!

This life is experienced in a spiritual realm! Things of a spiritual nature are very real, even though they cannot be seen, and seem to defy rational thought and testing. In other words, that which we cannot see or control or fully explain is very real, and affects our lives. This will always be the case, regardless of income or educational level, or chosen lifestyle. To ignore or deny this truth will always take something from your life!

There is one other tremendous truth that never changes:

God calls us to a life of service.

Let’s look at v. 10 again, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.”

To the question: What am I supposed to do with my life?

A life of service: In Christ, we are created by God for a purpose – to serve others in Jesus’ name!

One of the primary reasons God makes us “New creatures” in Christ is so that He can use us to serve those in need – regardless of what that need might be!

This is what can give our lives both meaning, and purpose. We are to do much more with our lives that just live as we choose and enjoy. The One who created us from the beginning, who completely understands what “makes us tick,” and what we truly need to be happy and fulfilled in this life, has always intended for us to serve others.

As Jesus “re-creates” us and makes us new, not only does he provide work for us (there will always be people in need); he equips us for good works, and then he blesses us when we do those good works. God has always had these things to do for Him, “which God prepared beforehand,” v.10; it is no afterthought, but rather God’s plan for meeting the needs of humanity from the very beginning of time!

A lifestyle of service gives meaning and purpose in life; enables others to love and experience joy and love; brings God’s blessings to you in the form of meaningful experiences and relationships.

God’s answers to our deepest questions provide a foundation for living. His truth is unchanging, and provides an unshakeable foundation for our lives.

The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these videos with your friends and family.

We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

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Each year the Sunday after Thanksgiving our congregation members share the stories and history of common decorations used around Christmas time. We hope you enjoy this special service.

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It is a challenge to get along with others; in fact, it can even be painful for some, so much so that they avoid any type of lasting relationships! In a recent conversation with a Childcare father, I told him that my favorite part of every day at church was meeting parents and their kids, and talking to them and getting to know them. He said, off-handed, “yes, and you don’t have to talk to them very long, ‘cause they’re all in a hurry to get to work.” We laughed, of course, as men do when someone says something we’ve all felt at some point. What he told me in that comment, though, was that he either didn’t really want to talk to people, or, more than likely, was a little uncomfortable talking to people he didn’t know well.

This isn’t really a judgment against my friend; rather, it is an acknowledgment that relationships are hard! You don’t know what you can or can’t say, you’re not sure where people stand or what might offend them, or maybe it just takes too much work and energy to be interested and open to someone.

Even though relationships are hard, though, we often have to remind ourselves – relationships are one of the greatest sources of blessings from God!

Indeed, relationships can be such a tremendous source of blessing that: God calls us to value our relationships above all else in our lives.

There are things we all know to be true; i.e., “relationships are important;” but sometimes we get a reminder from life. A little over 9 years ago my father had a massive heart attack in the hallway at NKC hospital; they were able to resuscitate him, and he was on a ventilator for a full week. Finally the next weekend we made the decision to take him off the machine, after which he died in just a few minutes, surrounded by his wife and kids. Something I noticed upon reflection on this horrific week – I don’t remember anything that happened, other than the relationships I shared with my family that week. I don’t remember meals, visitors, or hardly any ‘hospital’ talk – just relationships. It’s almost as if nothing else mattered – and maybe that was one of the greatest lessons of that experience!

I think Paul was trying to help the Roman Christians realize just how important one’s relationships are! Romans 13:8-10

Paul uses the understanding that one needs to pay their debts – and says the only thing really worth debt is to love others! He then reminds them of the 10 Commandments, because even though people usually just see them as rules to follow, they are really ways of maintaining relationships between God, and others. He finishes this section with a statement of faith: “Love therefore is the fulfillment of the law.” (13:10)

Our relationships with others are not only given to us by God as a source of joy; these relationships are also the primary means by which we experience and express our faith in Jesus!

Understanding the value of relationships, it should come as no surprise that: God calls us to nurture the relationships in our lives.

If you truly value a relationship, then you have to act in a way that nurtures and strengthens that relationship – it just makes sense! People don’t always understand this: Years ago I counseled a young couple having problems because the husband had entered into a relationship with another woman. After meeting with them, and hearing both of them say they wanted to save the marriage and stay together (there was a young child); we set about establishing some basic ‘rules’ of the relationship. The first ‘rule’ was that the husband agree to break off his relationship with the other woman, and not see her anymore. He hesitated – and then finally refused, because he cared about her, and said “I don’t want to hurt her feelings.”

He said he valued the relationship with his wife, but he wouldn’t act in a way that would allow it to heal and grow; the wife correctly understood that he didn’t really value her at all! When you value a relationship, you will act to strengthen it!

Paul taught this very thing to those in the church at Ephesus:

Ephesians 4:31-32

When Christians valued their relationship with others, there were ways they would live and act to nurture those relationships. Here are a few ideas he gave them:

God’s Path for Relationships

Put away the poison (v.31) “Bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, slander, malicious behavior.” These practices are poison to any relationship, and do not have to happen. Here Paul is teaching that we who follow Christ are to make it a conscious effort to change our behavior, and resist the heat of emotion when we speak. We are to represent Christ in all situations, even in our anger and frustrations!
Choose nice (v.32) “Instead, be kind to each other. . . .” Our behaviors are a choice! No-one makes you act a certain way, people can only “push your button” when you let them. This is not to say we must avoid all conflict, or allow people to manipulate or abuse us. Rather, it is a way to demonstrate, even in challenging encounters, that we follow Jesus and represent God’s grace.
Remember the reason (v.32) “. . . Just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Here is the reason we are to be different, and the way in which our changed behavior is possible – God in Christ has forgiven us! Because we have experienced God’s forgiveness through Jesus, we are to offer grace and forgiveness to others.

Our response to God’s grace, rather than the actions of others, is to guide our behaviors,.

“Now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. . . . Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. . . Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love.”

Colossians 3:8-14

The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.

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We hear a lot about power in our heavily politicized culture today, don’t we? In some contexts you hear people talk about “green power,” or “clean power;” or even “dirty power.” At other times it is a more personal sorts: The power of one gender over another, or one race over another; or even who holds the power in a relationship. It seems that many are only now becoming aware of the way power – of almost any sorts – is both integral, and crucial to the way our world functions!

You may be interested to know that the biblical authors, living under the power of Roman domination, wrote often of power;

In the Old Testament, we read that:

God created the heavens and the earth, by the power of his voice at work through the Spirit of God
God’s power at work in and through Moses freed God’s people from Egypt, and led them through the desert to take the Promised Land
God’s power punished sin and rewarded faithfulness
God’s power ultimately brought forth his son, Jesus, through the miraculous virgin birth.

God’s power has been central to every story in the Bible; His power, exercised through our faith, makes it happen!

In all walks of life, power is always an issue – especially in the spiritual area of life!

Paul speaks again of power in his letter to the Ephesian church: Ephesians 1:18-23

We are taught here that God’s power is an overwhelming force that gives light, and life.

In our passage, Paul states that he wants those in the early church to truly understand just how powerful and mighty God is, and how that same power is available to them, simply because they follow Jesus!

He prays that “the eyes of your heart may be enlightened” (v.18)
He says that the greatness of God’s power through Jesus can give hope, and help us experience the riches of God (v.119)
He says that God’s great power not only brought back Jesus from the dead; that same power established that resurrected Christ above all powers and authorities, both now and forever. (v.21-23).

This is much more than preacher talk – this is an opportunity to live your life differently, with access to God’s power every day. God can strengthen and encourage you, change situations, and even bring good out of terrible situations!

God’s power is released to work in our lives through our faith in Jesus.

In our passage, Paul mentions in v.18 the “glorious inheritance” God has given to us; some scholars say this refers to our eternal life; is partly true, and we are taught that in other passages. But here I think what God wants us to grasp is our access to God’s power through faith – that it is a powerful and life-changing, inheritance that we have in Jesus.

Significantly, this is focused through the work of the church: “And he put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” (vv.22-23)

God’s power, focused through the Church, is the way by which God normally works: The Church shares the Gospel, and we respond for salvation; The Church teaches us biblical truth, and God changes our lives through our faith; and The Church makes an impact upon society, as it teaches and leads its people to serve others, share the Gospel, and help those in need.

Here are some ideas about God’s Power:

No limits (Philippians 4:13) “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” God had enabled Paul to survive challenges to his work and his life, and gave him the ability to be a part of a life-changing movement of God! God did this as he urged him on, encouraged and lifted him up, and gave him a greater purpose in life.
Power over our fears and weaknesses (II Timothy 1:7) “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” God’s power can help us “keep it together,” in difficult situations, and face down our fears, and those people and situations that would intimidate us and keep us down.
Power to transform life (Philippians 3:20-21) “The Lord Jesus Christ will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that he has even to subject all things to Himself.” We are often weak, and frail, or unwilling! God works to influence us; He works to encourage is in His ways and thoughts; He strengthens our wills, and enhances our abilities. Too, he give us joy in life, and enables us to see beyond the current troubles, to the life that is beyond now

“The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not become weary or tired . . . He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:28-31

The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family. We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility.

You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

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Is there any limit to what you want in your house, or garage, or closet? If the advertising efforts of so many is any indication, almost everyone wants for “stuff!” And, if you don’t really want much of anything, the goal of a good advertising campaign is to “create” in you a desire, or even a need, for something, so they can sell it to you!

This is the way it has always been. People want stuff; and in the back of our minds we often make the connection between “stuff,” and “happiness,” even though we know better!

When the Apostle Paul wrote his letter to a young pastor friend Timothy, the people in his congregation were struggling with the desire for the “stuffs” of this life; so much so that their faith in Jesus was being comprised, and they were beginning to do things that would damage both their faith, and their lives; all in the pursuit of “stuff.” I Timothy 6:9-12

Timothy’s congregation needed to learn that:

The pursuits of this world threaten to keep us from the best this life has to offer.

So many of the “pursuits of this world,” that we think will bring us lasting joy and happiness, often do the very opposite!

In our passage, Paul explained this to Timothy in v. 9 when he said that sometimes, in their pursuit of the riches of this world, people “fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires.” In those ancient days it could have been any number of things: wasting money on that which you did not need; drugs and other abuses; gambling and other ‘get rich quick’ schemes - you name it - it’s all been here forever! The point Paul was making was simple: When people allow their desires for the stuffs of this world drive their actions and values, there was seemingly no limit to what they would do - no matter how foolish, or destructive! It not only has the capacity to destroy one’s life; Paul writes in v. 10 that this pursuit and re-shaping of values may also cause them to “wander away from the faith,” and cause great spiritual pain.

Nothing has changed, has it? Most of us here have made foolish purchases over years, only to recognize later we squandered away our resources. We buy things to bring us pleasure, to make us happy, to help fill our lives - seldom do they last! If you want proof, go to a garage sale - or worse, have one! We come to value fleeting pleasures rather than lasting joy, and make choices that do nothing more than steal something from our lives.

Some of us pursue the ‘stuffs’ of this world by working too much - we justify it by saying it is “for our family;” the paradox is, though, that by spending too much time working you ‘lose’ the very family you love - if not through actual loss of relationship, then just by losing the years they are home - they may be gone when you finally realize what you’ve done, and reap the consequences of foolish decisions, based on a less-than-godly value system.

What we modern people do - known as ‘chasing the dream,’ is a practice that is as old as humanity itself. Paul, in our passage, challenges us to live differently:

The pursuit of faith can lead you to experience a life that is real, and full.

The most successful way to live a life that leads away from the world’s desires, is to focus on a faithful life. In other words, instead of trying to resist the desires of the stuffs of this life, fill your life with the things that a better life can offer! (i.e., if trying to lose weight: Don’t focus on what you can’t have, instead think about what you can have: good and healthy foods, and better health, and smaller waistline, etc.) This is just good psychology! The same principle can enable you to develop a more successful approach to your struggle against worldly desires: The good things of God, and the things that come into your life when you focus on a life of faith, a sense of purpose and meaning in life: they really are better than the stuffs this world can offer!

This approach to life is mentioned in the rest of our passage. I Timothy 6:17-19

Paul instructs Timothy to help his people pursue a life worth living - literally, “real life,’ or “life indeed.” (v.19) Here are some ideas Paul gives his readers, and us, to live “life indeed,” or “keeping it real.”

“Keeping it Real”

Don’t base your worth on your worth (v.17) Your value as a person, and your relationships, are worth much more than any possession. Use this truth to establish your life-values.

Place your hope in that which lasts (v.17) Only the things of God last; everything else is temporary, and can be lost or taken away.

Invest in others (v.18) Do good works, be ready to share. You are a missionary from another world!

Recognize your treasure (v.19) Allow God and his Word to guide your values, and help you find fulfillment in the larger things of this life and the life to come.

Even Jesus addressed the problem of our worldly concerns:

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal, for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. . . But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:19-21, 33

The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family. We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility.

You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

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In the news recently are all sorts of reports of people who have decided that it is better to fight and break off relationships with spouses, friends, and relatives, that it is to work to maintain a relationship with those that disagree with them politically. One woman, famously, even told of the way she badgered her dying father to change his vote in this presidential election, rather than just spending time with him, and helping him to prepare for and accept his own impending death.

Anybody here like that? You would rather fight with your friends, or end long-term relationships with others, simply because they disagree with your politics?

Have we lost our minds? There is not much peace here right now, even in the Church. Unfortunately, it seems that even the shed blood of Jesus is not enough to help us!

When we talk about God’s Word providing us with a guide to help us find a “path to life,” one of those essentials is peace.

What we can learn from God’s Word today is that:

A life of faith in God can lead us to a sense of peace in this life.

Religion by itself is no guarantee of anything in this life – but when we place our faith in God, through Jesus, God can help us develop a way of living, and thinking, that can lead to peace: peace of mind, and peace in this life.

READ Ephesians 2:13-16

In the early church there was a huge problem that threatened to destroy the ability of the Church to function. There were Jewish Christians, and non-Jewish Christians; and they tended to reject and distrust each other! Jewish Christians held on to their Jewish heritage, and felt ‘superior’ to anyone else, and non-Jewish Christians resented the idea that they were somehow inferior because they did not have a Jewish background. This was more than just a ‘preacher argument’ – it was “fighting words” to those involved! There were arguments, divisions, and the churches were threatened by the sense that there was no way the two groups could get along!

To this, Paul responded.

Peace in the Church

Gentiles “brought near” by the blood of Christ. (v.13) Whatever “advantage” the Jews had over the Gentiles because of their religious background was gone – the “blood of Christ” had washed that advantage away! The problem in all our hearts, and all our relationships, is the problem of sin! Selfishness; impatience and intolerance; arrogance and the rejection of others’ place in life – these are all problems of our own sinful natures – and only Jesus can fix these things!
Lasting peace is based on Jesus. (v.14) Jesus “broke down” the barrier of the dividing wall. Not politics; not slick talk or deceptive practices; only Jesus. Lasting peace can be had, because it is based upon the character and grace of God! All other bases for peace will fail – only Jesus at work can change our natures, give us grace, and help us have and share the grace essential to have lasting peace.
all can be united in the Church. (v.16) “might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross.” In The Church – the body of Christ – there is the possibility of peace! All the differences that challenge us and separate us – political, gender and nation and race – can be dismantled in The Church, as we follow Jesus together, and we allow him to change our hearts and minds together, and as we allow God to work His will in us and we serve Him together – then there will be peace. (5 times in NT the phrase “of one accord” is used to describe Christ’s followers united in service through faith; Acts 1:14, 2:1, 2:46, 5:12; Philippians 2:2)

Living as Paul challenged the early Christians to live was not easy – but through Jesus it can be done! God’s work, and our faithfulness to His call to the Christian life, can make it possible!

Here are a few things we can do to help bring peace into our lives, and the lives of others:

a) Make the choice to love and accept others.

b) Practice patience and kindness, determined by your obedience to Jesus! (Not others’ actions)

c) Control your emotional responses. Don’t let your feelings about an issue lead you to violate the Spirit of Christ within you. Avoid the cheap shot, or trap questions, or the rolled eyes. Just accept that some disagree with you!

d) Pray.

“Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Who is the man who desires life, And loves length of days that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil, and do good; Seek peace, and pursue it.” Psalms 34:11-14

The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing our videos and podcasts with your friends and family.

We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

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Today we are going to talk about something the scriptures mention often, that is essential to living the kind of life most of us desire: wisdom.

This isn’t really a religious term, but it is something that can guide us in this life. Here’s a simple definition that will serve us today: “Wisdom is the application of truth and grace to the situations of life, guided by a perspective of faith. Wisdom often comes over time by the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.”

Here’s just one of the many texts in the Bible where God teaches us the value of wisdom:

Proverbs 2:1-12

From this passage we learn that the wisdom that is from God can lead us to a life of success, and fulfillment.

Interestingly, wisdom was so valued by people in ancient cultures that they would often speak of wisdom in graphic terms to show its importance. This is reflected in God’s Word, particularly in what is called the “wisdom literature,” of which Proverbs is a part. (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Wisdom of Solomon, and Ecclesiasticus) Terms such as “shield,” “guide,” “treasure,” and even “a good and beautiful woman.” This is a collection of the wisdom sayings from around the world, most of which was collected by King Solomon, who had asked God for the gift of wisdom. (II Chronicles 1:10-12)

In our passage, Solomon describes a few of the ways wisdom as “gift from God,” can help us walk on “a path to life.”

-A knowledge of God, and the value of faith (vv.4-6)

-Protection from foolish influences and associations (vv.7, 8)

-A recognition of righteousness and justice (v.9)

-The satisfaction of a life lived well (v.10)

There are many other blessings that come from gaining wisdom, of course. The pursuit of wisdom is worth it!

Wisdom comes as we open ourselves up to God’s teaching and influence.

The facts are that wisdom comes easier for some than others, due to emotional differences of upbringing. That does not mean, however, that wisdom cannot be gained over time. In fact, the scriptures teach us to seek wisdom: “The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; And with all your acquiring, get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:5) In other words, Make gaining wisdom a part of your life, and do all you can to become wise!

Here are a few things we can all do to “acquire wisdom:”

Live conscious of God. “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing other one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. . .” (Colossians 3:16) He’s talking about worship! This refers to the foundations of life that the practices of faith, taught and affirmed over years of worship experiences, can bring: the understanding that all are created in God’s image, and that we are to be responsible for our life and actions. This is a direct contrast to “fate,” (no control over life or self at all); or “naturalism” (your life is simply a result of natural forces over which you cannot control.” This perspective of faith changes your very approach to life, and is able to give wisdom. We’re all equal, we’re all sinners, and we all need Jesus, and compassion and grace!

James 3:10: “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.”

Listen to counsel. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel.” (Proverbs 12:15) There are times when you might not know what to do; or you see options. It might serve you will to talk to someone, and hear their opinions, or at least have a conversation with them. Even when they might not be an ‘expert’ on the issue, the conversation might give you insight as to the correct course of action or thought.
Listen to your conscience. “Fools mock at sin, but among the upright there is good will.” (Proverbs 14:9) Your conscience, when education by the Holy Spirit, can be a great guide! Can educate it – God can educate it through study, upbringing, even worship. If something doesn’t feel “right,” or you have some nagging suspicion of guilt, listen to that voice! Think it through, consider actions and options, and do what doesn’t bring you guilt.

“Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.” James 3:13, 17

The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing our videos and podcasts with your friends and family.

We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

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Young Life is all about relationships. We are caring adults who love Jesus and love high school kids. We have a desire to go to where high school kids are in order to build relationships with them. We desire to come alongside kids and get right in the middle of their lives in order that we might get to know them and they get to know us. The Young Life leader comes into their world, loves them right where they are without judgement. As kids do life alongside us, they get to see how we respond to Jesus in our ordinary, everyday lives. By doing real life with kids, we earn the right to listen to their stories and we earn the right to share the greatest love story and the greatest pursuit of all time; the Gospel of Jesus.

We officially launched Young Life in the fall of 2019, and the past year we have built relationships with a crew of incredible high school kids. We originally connected with these kids at sporting events, the school cafeteria, at Young Life club, coffee shops, restaurants, and more; we call this contact work and it’s the core of what we do. Right now, our team of Young Life leaders are engaged in small groups throughout the city on Tuesday nights with this group of key kids. We are committed to doing life with them, and are prayerful that God will bring more and more teenagers to Himself through us. This past week Young Life re-launched Club at Westminster Hall. This semester Club will happen once a month in the parking lot in order to maintain social distance and uphold gathering recommendations.

Young Life Independence has one full-time staff person serving as Area Director; Bailey Higgins. Bailey served as a fourth grade teacher for 12 years prior to stepping into the role of Area Director. Bailey spent 10 of those 12 years in the Independence School District at William Southern Elementary. Bailey was a Young Life kid herself; she heard and responded to the gospel because of the investment of her Young Life leader. Bailey and her husband Cody are partners at LifeConnection Church. The Higgins have a five-year-old son named Wilson who attends Blackburn Elementary School. They are committed to seeing teenagers all across the city of Independence reached with the good news of Jesus through relationships.

To contribute to Young Life click here

https://giving.younglife.org/independenceyounglife

The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.

We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

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“That’s not fair!” As soon as children can speak, they start saying that, don’t they? If one child gets two cookies but others get one you will hear, “that’s not fair.”

Nothing changes when we get older! A man who gets a speeding ticket for going 70 in a 55 won’t complain too much, until he hears a pretty woman tell her story of doing the same thing, but only getting a warning; “that’s not fair!”

Equal treatment – where everyone is treated the same, and the punishment is appropriate, seems to be naturally important to everyone! We call this justice.

There has always been a desperate need for justice between men, and the lack of justice not only damages peoples’ lives, but also threatens to bring down God’s judgment. In our passage, we see an example of God’s concern for justice: READ Micah 2:9-11, 3:9-11;

We learn here that:

God stands against those that are unjust.

In the passages we read, the prophet Micah rails against the practices of those in leadership over the nation Israel, in the Northern Kingdom. At this time in Israel the nation was safe, wealthy, and relatively powerful. Things were going well – especially for the elite class! The poor were struggling, though, and this was the issue which the prophet addressed. He observed the wealthy and the powerful among the people, and the way they treated those beneath them, and called out their practices as evil, and worthy of judgment from God. Here are a few of their practices Micah called out:

The Injustices of Israel

2:2, use clever laws to take a man’s properties and inheritances;
2:8, Abuse of immigrant and refugee;
2:9, taking advantage of women in their homes (single moms and widows);
2:11, followed fools as leaders;
3:2-3, taking advantage of the poor who could not defend themselves or fight the wealthy in their legal system; and
3:9, abhor justice and twist everything that is straight.

All of these practices were evil and ungodly and abusive and oppressive – and were completely legal in that culture! This is what Micah was talking about in 3:9 – “abhor justice and twist everything that is straight.”

This book is a message of judgment against the people of Israel! God still loved them, of course, and he sent the prophets to speak to them regarding their sin – but the promise of judgement from God was sure!

Here is just one of the passages which speak of God’s wrath against the injustices of the people, spoken to the leadership of the nation: “Therefore, on account of you, Zion will be plowed as a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of ruins, And the mountain of the temples will become high places of a forest.” (3:12) God would raise up Assyria from the north, who would come and destroy them!

The message for us, 2700 years later, is a solemn warning – God calls for justice from His people, and we ignore His instruction at our peril! Judgement comes in several forms: God may withhold his blessings; He may allow us to lose our blessings, or fall victim to our enemies, ; He may call down some form of judgment; the scriptures give examples of all.

Micah teaches us that:

God’s people are to work for justice in their land.

God wants to live just lives, and also defend those that suffer injustices! Here are a few ideas God has given us as we consider the fight for justice; interestingly, the fight for justice is linked with the need for kindness in at least 3 passages: (Hoseah 12:6; Micah 6:8; Zechariah 7:9)

God’s People and Justice

1) Legal fairness and equality. “You shall not distort justice; you shall not be partial, and you shall not take a bribe.” Deuteronomy 16:18-20

2) No partiality to the rich or poor. “You shall do no injustice in judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor nor defer to the great.” Leviticus 19:15

3) Care for the helpless and powerless. “Cursed is he who distorts the justice due an alien, orphan, and widow.” Deuteronomy 27:19; see also Psalms 82:2-4

4) Think as God thinks. “He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous, both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.” Proverbs 17:15)

This is an incredibly important issue to God; the fact that the same issue is addressed over and again, over centuries of time, show not only how important it is to God, but how often humanity fails to do, and seek, justice.

God’s Word is always trustworthy, giving us counsel as to what life God can bless.

“He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.

We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

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Thank you for listening. We will see you next week.

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Anger is a really interesting emotion – it seems to influence and control us, without us even recognizing it!

In a recent conversation with a Childcare Mother I asked her how things were going at home (we talk about her children and their issues occasionally); she immediately launched into a tirade, mentioning several of her family members and their flaws! She didn’t ‘get angry,’ at me, of course – but the moment she started talking the anger exploded within her, and led her into a rant she didn’t plan.

Anger does that, doesn’t it? Not only can it ruin a situation with a loved-one, it can seemingly take control of us, and cause us to act in ways we would never choose on our own.

One of the most important abilities you can teach a child, and one of the most powerful and life-changing ability an adult can have, is how to graciously and effectively handle and express their anger! No matter your looks, or intellect, or abilities or gifts, your uncontrolled anger can mar every aspect of your life!

As we consider this truth, you should not be surprised when you discover that God’s Word has a lot to say regarding this powerful emotion, anger.

READ Ephesians 4:26-32

Because the way we deal with anger affects every area of our lives, it is important we consider the spiritual side of our emotions:

The practice of our faith is directly impacted by the way we handle our anger.

There is a general understanding that anger is a normal, typical emotion, experienced by everyone. In the judicial system and in most areas of life this is assumed, and anger control or “anger management” is merely the idea of applying practical steps to help people calm themselves down; things such as counting to 10 before you speak, or taking a break from a situation when you feel anger building, among other methods are taught. And, to be honest, these practices help – they’re better than nothing! However, the Christian, Bible-based position adds another dimension to the understanding of anger. Instead of a simple emotion, and utilization of practical methods of anger management, Scriptures teach us that our anger: the way we experience and express it, is more than just simple emotion – it is a spiritual issue, too! If you understand that your anger is affected by your Christian faith, subject to biblical teachings and the work of the Holy Spirit within you, you can gain additional helps in dealing with your anger effectively! Here are a few of the biblical teachings regarding this incredibly powerful emotion, instilled within us by God in creation:

“Be angry, and yet do not sin”; “do not give the Devil an opportunity.” (vv.26, 27) In these two verses Paul mentions the connection between anger and sin; he then comments that the Devil can use our anger as an opportunity to lead us into sin and away from God. Temptations towards violence, sinful action, and unchristian behavior are almost automatic in times of anger!Paul had seen this in his own life, and the lives of others – anger was a primary way by which people would fall into sinful practices! More than mere emotion, our anger has the ability to touch us in our most inward parts, and affect us in ways that are as profound as any other emotion – including love.

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger . . . do not grieve the Holy Spirit. .. put away” (vv.29-30) Here Paul mentions several damaging ways anger is expressed, telling us that these actions “grieve” the Holy Spirit. In other words, God takes our sin seriously, and the sins based in anger seem to be particularly offensive to God! Perhaps the most insidious part of anger is that it seems completely natural and even “justified.” Uncontrolled anger is almost ‘normal,’ and we have to be taught, and develop skills, to handle it well.

“does not achieve the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20) This is the big reason – your anger isn’t something God chooses to use – it does not serve the cause of righteousness and God’s Kingdom when we sin in the process - no matter how you rationalize it! This may be aimed at Christians who claim “righteous anger” in attacking their opponents – be very careful!

Your anger, and how you express, is a spiritual issue! It affects how you live out your faith, and what kind of witness and impact you might have on others. Because of this,

We must deal with our anger from a perspective of faith.

Whenever you mentions the words “spiritual” or “faith” people oftentimes have thoughts of ideas that are impractical, or not applicable to normal, everyday life. When the Bible addresses issues such as anger, though, nothing could be further from the truth! Here are a few biblical teachings regarding how to deal with the emotion of anger:

Handling Anger

Deal with anger in a spiritual manner. (4:30) Paul here mentions the Holy Spirit’s involvement – He is grieved with all our sin, including sin and bad behaviors based in anger. Using Paul’s mention of the Holy Spirit, we are also to remember what he wrote in his letter to the Galatian church, “The fruit of the Spirit is. . . peace, kindness, kindness, self-control.” (5:22-23)

“Fruits of the Spirit” are the result of our openness and submission to God’s Spirit at work in our lives! Also, 5 of the 9 characteristics mentioned are directly related to the control of our anger; we can infer from this that the “self-control” that comes from the Holy Spirit’s influence in our lives would greatly apply to the way we tolerate and express our anger, and whether or not we allow it to affect and influence us in any way.

Heed biblical teaching. (26) Not only must we not allow our anger to lead us into sin, we must integrate the way we deal with anger into our daily lives. James’s instruction regarding anger is always appropriate: “Let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” (1:19) Simply: Listen to others, and don’t speak before you are sure what you want to say and how you want to say it, and don’t allow the situation to control you.

Remember God’s grace (v.30) You are Christian; your sins have been forgiven by God who is gracious and instead of expressing his anger towards our sin with punishment, offered us the grace that saved us. Your ‘experienced’ faith can instruct you in your relationships with others!

In anger, the desires of our flesh are to attack and hurt and destroy; but Paul says this: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.”

The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.

We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

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When you need a straight answer, “just the facts”, where do you turn? For Christians, there is security that in the realm of spiritual truth, the One authority is that which was given to us by God himself – the scriptures. In our scripture God speaks; His wisdom and insight, and his guidance, is given to us. In our passage, the Apostle Paul speaks to a young pastor, Timothy, and reminds him of this great truth: II Timothy 3:14-17

Here is what makes this faith we have chosen unique:

The Christian faith is one which comes from God’s own heart
God’s revealed wisdom can help us in this life, and in the life to come

A Revealed Faith

have experienced the truth
sacred writings
inspired by God

The Value of a Revealed Faith

A reliable source for spiritual teaching
A way to correct false teaching
Inspired writings challenge us
Prepares us for God’s service

“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family. We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online. If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App or by Like our Facebook page. Of course, if you have questions about today's service or want to discuss something feel free to shoot us an email church@fbcindep.org or call the Church office at 816-252-3377.

Thank you for listening.

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The best things are the more original or pure version, was the topic of a conversation Jesus had with one we call “the woman at the well.” Follow along in John 4:19-26

The woman learned two things:

1.)Jesus came to deliver a pure and untainted faith and

2.) God call us to that purity of faith that is driven by Spirit, and Truth.

A Pure Faith

Salvation in Jesus, for everyone
Indwelling Holy Spirit for believers

A calling to a life of obedience and love Jesus calls us to a simple and pure faith, directed by Spirit, and Truth. He calls us to practice baptism by immersion, to demonstrate our faith to the world, and to practice Communion, patterned after his Last Supper with the Disciples. We do that today, as part of the faith given to us “In spirit and in truth.”

The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family. We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online here. If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App or by Liking our Facebook page. Of course, if you have questions about today's service or want to discuss something feel free to shoot us an email church@fbcindep.org or call the Church office at 816-252-3377 Thank you for listening.

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Today we begin a series on “Authentic Faith.”

We begin with the most basic teachings – what we believe. Paul wrote these words to a young struggling Pastor, Timothy: I Timothy 3:14-16

Let’s talk about the ‘facts’ of our authentic faith:

God has acted to reveal his glorious mystery of salvation
God has called His church to proclaim a pure and glorious gospel

The defining issue of our faith, and the determining factor of one’s eternal destiny, is the crucified and resurrected Jesus. We must never assume people have “heard the word.” We might be wrong! The only truly authentic faith, that can deliver us from sin and take us into eternity with Father God, is the faith that is based on the resurrected Christ. Follow Him – He is literally “the real thing!”

If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App or by Liking our Facebook page. Of course, if you have questions about today's service or want to discuss something feel free to shoot us an email church@fbcindep.org or call the Church office at 816-252-3377 Thank you for listening.

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Surrender to God means doing what God wants, when he wants it, regardless of what you want.

Our story from Luke 1:26-35 helps to illustrate this point

Faithful submission

You are not equal to God - A daily decision Submission to god can be a source of blessing and provide:

Inner peace and strength
Meaning and purpose in life
Stability in difficult times

Submission to God is a choice to follow god’s leadership instead of our desires. It is an act of faith, and a source of tremendous blessings in this life.

The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts and with your friends and family. We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online here. If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App or by Liking our Facebook page. Of course, if you have questions about today's service or want to discuss something feel free to shoot us an email church@fbcindep.org or call the Church office at 816-252-3377 Thank you for listening.

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A Day in the Life: The Resurrection of Jesus; Matthew 28:1-7

The resurrection of Jesus is a demonstration of God’s power:

God’s power is greater than death.
God’s power is greater than any of our problems.

The resurrection of Jesus prepares us for the life that is to come:

Physical, without limitations.
Oriented towards the spiritual
Experienced in the presence of god

The resurrection of Jesus gives us strength and hope, for this life and the life that is to come.

The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these videos and with your friends and family.

We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute First Baptist Church online

If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here or Like our Facebook page

Of course, if you have questions about today's service or want to discuss something feel free to shoot us an email church@fbcindep.org or call the Church office at 816-252-3377

Thank you for listening. We will see you next week.

Happy Easter

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Let’s read the story of Jesus’ crucifixion – a “day in the life” of Jesus. For today's message we'll be referencing Luke 23:33-46

This story from Jesus’ life challenges us at our deepest level. His death on the cross shows the utter sinfulness of humanity. One scripture passage that can lend some background to this story - “For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

All means….everybody! Bad people and good people, big and little people, rich people and poor people – all of us are sinners! It has nothing to do with us being nice or mean or smart – but everything to do with our willingness to reject God’s claim on our lives, and resist His call to loving obedience. The sinfulness of humanity was behind the story we read – our sin is the reason it happened! Our passage reminds us of the utter depravity of us all: The people and leaders mocked and sneered at him (v.35), the soldiers mocked him (v.36), The Thief on the cross mocked him (v.39); all this because Jesus preached a simple message of repentance, and salvation, and forgiveness from God.

Fortunately for us all, the story doesn’t end there - Jesus’ death on the cross demonstrates God’s absolute love for us all. We should never tire of hearing the phrase, “God loves you!” This great truth is the one constant upon which we can build our lives – it never changes!

It should come as no surprise that the four Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, use almost 30% of their space talking about Jesus’ death on the cross – it was Jesus’ primary ministry! Jesus’ crucifixion was the focal point of his ministry!

In God’s plan the sacrifice of Jesus was the way God’s demands for justice could be satisfied, and humanity could be forgiven. The crucifixion was one of the greatest teaching events in human history!

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing this podcast with your friends and family.

We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility.

You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here or by Liking our Facebook page

Of course, if you have questions about today's service or want to discuss something feel free to shoot us an email church@fbcindep.org or call the Church office at 816-252-3377

Thank you for listening. We will talk to you next week.

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Today, we discuss The True Strength of Christianity (while being a responsible Social Distance from our friends and neighbors).

Follow along as we read from Romans 4:1-9

We will be discussing

It’s not in what we do - Rom. 4:1-2
It’s not something we’re owed - Rom. 4:4-5
It’s all God - Rom. 4:3,7-8

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Some of the best things that occur in our lives are a result of many years of effort and hard work – not everything is “quick and easy!”

The larger or more important or difficult the task, the greater the need for thought and preparation, and a clear process for completion. It is the same for everyone – even the way in which God has worked to save us all!

This is what we read about today: Mark 1:1-11

Jesus’ baptism finalized God’s preparations to save humanity

God had worked for many thousands of years to prepare everything by teaching, influencing, and making people aware of what He was about to do. And when the time was right, God acted to bring about the life and ministry of Jesus:

Steps in God’s Preparations for Salvation

1) The “first” Gospel (Genesis 3:15)

2) Jewish practices (Galatians 3:24)

3) Prophetic Messages (Isaiah 53:4-5)

4) John the Baptist, and Jesus’ arrival (Mark 1:2, 7-8)

So the baptism of Jesus is not only the beginning of Jesus’ ministry - it is the end of God’s centuries-long preparations to bring salvation to man! Jesus would follow God’s plan, and ultimately do God’s will as he gave his life on the cross.

The history of our salvation began in eternity past, when God began preparations to bring about the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus brief ministry - which began with His baptism, is the fulfillment of all of God’s preparations!

The “kingdom of God” is not an actual place so much as it is a life lived in submission to the leadership of the Heavenly Father. Jesus said it like this, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand,” (Matthew 3:2, 10:7). Later he explained, “The Kingdom of Heaven is within you.” (Luke 17:21) The “Kingdom of Heaven,” is the experience of a life of faith, lived in a relationship with the God who saves you!

The very act of Jesus’ baptism shows us the way of salvation:

Repent of your sin
A Public Profession
Receive the Holy Spirit

Jesus’ baptism was an act of faith, and a major turning point in his life. His actions show us the way of life in him!

“The righteousness based on faith speaks thus. . . if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.”

Romans 10:6, 9-10

We'd love to have you join us every Sunday at 500 West Truman Road in Independence. Sunday School starts at 9:00AM, Fellowship at 10:00, and Sunday Service at 10:30.

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A Trip to the Temple

We talk so much about Jesus as a man – a carpenter, healer, itinerant preacher and teacher, theologian, crucified and resurrected Savior; have you ever thought much about Jesus the child? There were rumors, to be sure, even some books in the mythical “Apocrypha” that mentioned childhood powers and miracles.

What about Jesus, the boy? Was he normal? A nerd? Maybe an athlete?

The scriptures in Luke 2:41-52 give us a couple of pictures regarding Jesus’ childhood:

The Christian faith is built upon God coming to earth in human form

Jesus had a normal Jewish life. His family practiced their faith, they took trips, and, when he disappeared, he had a very worried mother!
Jesus’ parents did not fully understand Jesus’ unique nature. They were aware of Jesus’ special birth, of course, and had heard the words of the angels – but they obviously were not completely aware of what it all meant.
Jesus grew normally, and by the age of 12 was somewhat aware of his unique nature. At this age he was already well-versed in scripture, reasoned as an adult, and was able to challenge and debate the leadership in the Temple. He was an intelligent and disciplined student!

This brings us to discuss the very nature of Jesus’ humanity, and deity. When scholars talk about the belief that Jesus was God and man and how that came about, they use the term “Incarnation.” Here is a simple definition of the term: “The act by which the second person of the Trinity, God the Son, took on a human form.” We have to remind ourselves that as we talk about the normal humanity of Jesus, we are also talking about The One who was God Himself, conceived by the Holy Spirit. The Bible, and church history, give us insight into this Incarnation.

The Incarnation: God became Man

A Miraculous conception. (Luke 1:35) The virgin birth is taught as a real, historical event; it is a direct result of God’s power at work in human life.
God in the flesh. (John 1:1, 14) Jesus is not a lower-level or created God, but fully God himself, in human form.
Completely human. (Philippians 2:6-7) Jesus, fully God, became a human being in all ways just like us! He worked, slept, got tired and hungry, and struggled with the experiences of this life – He was a man. And, he was God. We worship Him, knowing that He was a man, but more than that; He was The One sent from God, sent to save us from our sin.

Jesus’ personal life challenges us to accept our role as the people of God

Here is the challenge for us, as we observe Jesus’ humanity: Jesus came to understand and accept God’s will for his life, even though it was neither easy nor pleasant. Will you?

Here are some ways for us to live, that we might know and accept God’s will for our lives:

A spiritually-oriented life: (Romans 12:2) This is a choice to think, act, and talk like a Christian – to submit your actions and thoughts to God’s lead, as expressed in scripture. This is also the decision to practice justice, forgiveness, and developing good relationships.
An eternally-minded life (Philippians 3:20-21) This is where you begin to think “big picture” about your life. A consideration of long-term value is applied to all there is in life, as well as determining one’s life and actions by those long-term effects.
A Witnessing life (I Peter 3:15) We have been given the responsibility to share our faith with those around us, with grace and love. Do your friends know of your faith in Jesus? Do you ever bring up your faith in the context of everyday discussions?

Jesus was human, just like us in every way! And yet, he walked the narrow way, resisted sin, and followed God.

Jesus lived a life of faith! His sincerity, lovingkindness, and obedience to God is the best example of a truly human life.

We'd love to have you join us every Sunday at 500 West Truman Road in Independence. Sunday School starts at 9:00AM, Fellowship at 10:00, and Sunday Service at 10:30.

If you would like to contribute to our ministry, you can do so by clicking here.

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Where is your “security?” What makes you feel “safe” in this world?

In our passage, Jesus addresses the issue of security: spiritual security, and eternal security. Years ago people mentioned it often in churches; it was important then, and it is important now! Jesus thought enough of the issue to address it directly:

John 10:22-30

This passage can help us to understand that Faith in Jesus Christ can give you a strong sense of spiritual security

Our security is based upon God’s power and grace. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
You can be sure of your life with God. (I John 5:12-13)

God wants us to feel safe secure! A secure salvation can provide an unshakeable foundation for our lives.

Gives confidence in life
Provides a basis for service

A strong and mature faith in Jesus can provide you with an unshakeable foundation for your life. Trust Jesus completely, and experience the strength and security only God can give!

We'd love to have you join us every Sunday at 500 West Truman Road in Independence. Sunday School starts at 9:00AM, Fellowship at 10:00, and Sunday Service at 10:30.

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Life or death; joy or misery. There are times when it seems that the extremes of experience are our only choices!

In our passage today, we see the prophet Ezekiel telling of a vision he experienced, that spoke to a people who felt as if they had no hope in this world. We reference Ezekiel 37:1-14 today. This passage contains a message of hope for those who follow God in faith:

Times of despair and hopelessness come to us all.
- May come to Christian and non-Christian alike.
- Circumstances beyond our control
- Circumstances because of our actions or decisions
The Spirit of God can bring life and hope to desperate situations
- God’s Spirit can give us power in our weakness.
- God’s Spirit can work to bring about His purpose in our lives

Regardless of our circumstances, God loves us and provides for us a reason for hope; He will continue to be our God, and help us recover from our suffering, and rebuild our lives.

We'd love to have you join us every Sunday at 500 West Truman Road in Independence. Sunday School starts at 9:00AM, Fellowship at 10:00, and Sunday Service at 10:30.

If you would like to contribute to our ministry, you can do so by clicking here.

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What would you think if someone brought up “the rapture” in a conversation? Interestingly, the idea of the “rapture” is very common in Christian circles; it is something most Christians anticipate! Also, it is something that has been a part of the Christian faith since the very beginning.

We reference I Thessalonians 4:13-18 for today's scripture

What are some of the ideas contained in this passage?

1. Jesus will care for his people in death

2. Jesus will return to take us home with Him

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him.”

We'd love to have you join us every Sunday at 500 West Truman Road in Independence. Sunday School starts at 9:00AM, Fellowship at 10:00, and Sunday Service at 10:30.

If you would like to contribute to our ministry, you can do so by clicking here.

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Do you remember the old Children’s rhyme about the church, formed by your fingers? As you hold fingers together then turn them “inside out,” you say, “Here is the church, and here is the steeple, open the doors and here are the people.”

The point of that children’s rhyme is to talk about the people, isn’t it? Because kids have to be taught that even though a building is nice and useful, when it comes to the church, it’s all about the people!

God’s people – formed into the Church by the Spirit of God, are God’s way of changing our world. Jesus spoke of this process in his teaching ministry to the disciples: Matthew 16:13-19

Here are a couple of ideas Jesus gave his disciples that day:

The Church is based upon Jesus, and his work on the cross
The church is God’s way of overcoming the evil of this world

God’s people are The Church! He calls us and shapes us, and equips us to work for His Kingdom on earth.

We'd love to have you join us every Sunday at 500 West Truman Road in Independence. Sunday School starts at 9:00AM, Fellowship at 10:00, and Sunday Service at 10:30.

If you would like to contribute to our ministry, you can do so by clicking here.

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Whenever you talk about the ‘old time religion,’ specifically of the Christian faith, you will encounter many sermons and teachings on the Holy Spirit. Jesus himself talked much about the “Spirit:” in John 14:15-18

What do Jesus, and the other writers of the Bible, have to say about this Spirit? We'll discuss the main points of

The Holy Spirit is God’s influence at work on this earth
The Holy Spirit works to further God’s Kingdom on earth

The Holy Spirit is God’s presence on earth! When you sense God’s presence, that is the Holy Spirit; when you feel God leading you, that is the Holy Spirit. And, when you feel a pang of guilt or conviction over something you have said or done, that is the Holy Spirit. He is, literally, everywhere doing the work of God!

We'd love to have you join us every Sunday at 500 West Truman Road in Independence. Sunday School starts at 9:00AM, Fellowship at 10:00, and Sunday Service at 10:30.

If you would like to contribute to our ministry, you can do so by clicking here.

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Interestingly, the sort of thing that has been preached for centuries by ministers of the Gospel – lives changed by Jesus is a powerful, yet ‘normal’ story for those who are in the faith! The message of Jesus is the same today as it has been since his birth – it is the message of the Gospel, the ‘good news’ of Jesus.

If you could go back in time and listen to an ‘old time’ gospel message, here is an idea of what you might hear:

The Gospel is God’s way of saving and changing human lives
Sin destroys life, and brings suffering and isolation from God
We are saved by the simple act of professing Jesus as Savior and Lord
We are saved by the simple act of professing Jesus as Savior and Lord
The cleansing of Jesus is for all who will follow Him

God loves everyone; Jesus died for everyone; and the Gospel is the power of God for salvation – for everyone!

We'd love to have you join us every Sunday at 500 West Truman Road in Independence. Sunday School starts at 9:00AM, Fellowship at 10:00, and Sunday Service at 10:30.

If you would like to contribute to our ministry, you can do so by clicking here.

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We always need direction, don’t we?

God knows we need help in this life – all of us! And because He loves us, He wants to help so God gives us guidance in the important areas of our lives. Today we'll discuss a couple of areas where God helps us:

Our faith is a “revealed” faith
God’s written word is His way of providing instruction and leadership

God’s Word “cuts through” the nonsense and crazy thinking we pick up in this world – and can guide us into truth, and life. The author of Hebrews said it like this: “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

We'd love to have you join us every Sunday at 500 West Truman Road in Independence. Sunday School starts at 9:00AM, Fellowship at 10:00, and Sunday Service at 10:30.

If you would like to contribute to our ministry, you can do so by clicking here.

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Today we begin a series talking about that “Old Time Religion.” And we begin by talking about the very foundation of that good and wholesome faith – God’s love.

Our text comes from I John 4:7-16

You will hear how Eternal and transforming love is God’s defining characteristic and God’s love is a transforming power in the lives of His people.

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of what has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” (I Corinthians 13:4-7)

We'd love to have you join us every Sunday at 500 West Truman Road in Independence. Sunday School starts at 9:00AM, Fellowship at 10:00, and Sunday Service at 10:30.

If you would like to contribute to our ministry, you can do so by clicking here.

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The Christmas story addresses the most profound problems of humanity. This is the final part of the series asking the question, “What do you want for Christmas?” The answer for today and addressed by Jesus’ birth is very simple: “I want to have a good now, and forever.”

How can the birth of Jesus, so long ago, affect our desire for a good life both now, and into eternity? Our text can help: Luke 1:26-37

Today we'll talk about:

Jesus birth shows us that God’s power is at work on earth
Jesus’ birth gives us insight into God’s eternal plans for us

God is at work – both now, and in the hereafter!

“For our perishable earthly bodies must be transformed into heavenly bodies that will never die. When this happens – when our perishable earthly bodies have been transformed into heavenly bodies that will never die – then at last the scriptures will come true: “Death is swallowed up in victory. . . How we thank God, who gives us victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ our Lord!’ (I Corinthians 15:53-4, 57)

We'd love to have you join us every Sunday at 500 West Truman Road in Independence. Sunday School starts at 9:00AM, Fellowship at 10:00, and Sunday Service at 10:30.

If you would like to contribute to our ministry, you can do so by clicking here.

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It is a special Christmas Eve service at First Baptist.

11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

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Wouldn’t it be great if we all could get along? I don’t mean just “not hit others,” I mean truly get along: accept each other, disagree agreeably, and care for each other regardless of the differences. Our best efforts tend to fail; it seems like it might take an ‘act of God’ for it to happen!

Surprisingly, God has acted to bring this about! If you were asked what you wanted for Christmas, and you said, “I just want everyone to get along,” it might interest you to know that is one of the things God intended to bring about through the Christmas story:

Our scripture comes from Luke 2:8-15

“Peace on earth” What does this mean? What can it mean, if we take the story of Jesus seriously? The “Peace” Christ can bring real joy to our lives:

Forgiveness for one’s sins and failures, and the ability to move on.
Self-Control
Inner calm

One other thing – there is also a purely spiritual dimension of God’s peace – and that is the peace we can have with God himself!

We'd love to have you join us every Sunday at 500 West Truman Road in Independence. Sunday School starts at 9:00AM, Fellowship at 10:00, and Sunday Service at 10:30.

If you would like to contribute to our ministry, you can do so by clicking here.

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It’s good being loved, and connecting with those that love us. Most of us want and need this; without those connections, we feel alone and isolated, even incomplete. That need for connection also extends to our relationship with God. Humans need to feel like God loves them and is with them – that’s the purpose of almost all religious practices and beliefs!

In our passage we can see the ways in which God met this need for a connection with Him through the birth of His Son, Jesus: Matthew 1:18-25

This group of Christmas sermons is based on a series of statements, “What I want for Christmas.” If one of the things you wanted for Christmas was to know God is with you, here are a couple of ways Jesus’ birth can bring us what we want:

The birth of Jesus is the story of God’s coming down to us
The birth of Jesus is an offer of His presence in our lives

Jesus promised his followers, “I am with you always, even unto the ends of the earth.” He was talking about the Holy Spirit within them! The apostle Paul explained it like this: “Since Christ lives within you, even though your body will die because of sin, your spirit is alive because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as he raised Christ from the dead, he will give life to your mortal body by this same Spirit living with you.”

(Romans 8:10-11)

We'd love to have you join us every Sunday at 500 West Truman Road in Independence. Sunday School starts at 9:00AM, Fellowship at 10:00, and Sunday Service at 10:30.

If you would like to contribute to our ministry, you can do so by clicking here.

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A special Sunday service - The Hanging of the Greens. Listen along as the members of First Baptist share the background and scripture surrounding some of our favorite Christmas Decorations.

We'd love to have you join us every Sunday at 500 West Truman Road in Independence. Sunday School starts at 9:00AM, Fellowship at 10:00, and Sunday Service at 10:30.

If you would like to contribute to our ministry, you can do so by clicking here.

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Turkey Day – Yeah! We are thankful; but Not everyone is thankful:

My wife tells the story of dealing with an ungrateful parent at the local high school, where she worked as counselor’s secretary. There was a program for helping needy families for the holidays, and all were given a turkey – large and frozen. The woman was angry, as she wanted the meal prepared for her – not a “blankety-blank frozen bird!” To add insult to injury after school that day my wife and the school counselor were standing outside in the parking lot, and the woman came by sitting in the passenger seat of her car, her son driving, and she yelled at them and through the frozen bird out of the window at them! No spirit of thanksgiving in that family!

All kidding aside, a day set aside to honor God, and count our blessings, and “be thankful” to The One who has given us so much, is a very good thing!

Being thankful can change our life!

A thankful life can help us develop a healthy focus on Jesus’ work.
A thankful life leads to a humble dependence upon God.

We hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving. Please join us this Sunday for a special Hanging of the Greens Service where we decorate our sanctuary to prepare for the Christmas season. Service starts at 10:30 at 500 West Truman Road, Independence MO

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Bob Springate of the Missouri Baptist Childrens Home was the guest speaker.

Since 1886 Missouri Baptist Children’s Home has served God by offering Hope and Restoration to children and families who desperately need both. Through our affiliate corporations, MBCH provides a variety of residential and community-based services throughout the state of Missouri. As you explore all that Missouri Baptist Children’s Home has to offer, we invite you to look for ways that you can become a partner in providing Hope and Restoration to children and families who are hurting. https://www.mbch.org

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Families are great, aren’t they?

There is nothing more enjoyable or more precious to me than getting together with my family – eating, laughing, and watching the grandkids – it truly is, as one Grandma told me, “pure joy!”

Families are an essential part of our lives – and the more we understand about human development, the more we realize that when we mess with family structures, we often do great damage to people!

Let’s imagine Jesus talking to a family leader on a bench – a mother or father, or maybe a grandparent who is raising their grandchildren. What might He say?

God’s relationship with His people shows us the way a family is to work.

A healthy family is based upon shared commitments.

Unconditional love and acceptance
Support and encouragement
Instruction and chastening
A Healthy Faith

See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.

I John 3:1-2

Please join is for our Fall Festival of Thanksgiving on Saturday, November 16 at 7:00 for Country and Gospel Concert benefitting the renovation of the 1896 Sanctuary. You can purchase your tickets here for only $10.

If you can't make the concert, but have the means to contribute to the 1896 Building Restoration Project. You can read about the Beautification Project in conjunction with the City of Independence and donate here.

Want to contribute to our Ministry? Click here

We would love to have you worship with us in person! We meet Sunday mornings at 9AM for Sunday School and then at 10:30 for Worship service. We are at 500 West Truman Road in the heart of the Historic Independence Square just one block from the Harry S. Truman home.

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A survey of Ezra

Have you ever built, or made something? Sometimes, for a whole host of reasons our hard work, and effort ends up ruined, broken, or completely destroyed.

My boys love playing with legos. When my oldest son, Eli was first introduced to them I had to help him a lot. Ben who is 2 years younger was not ready to build things with legos yet. As a result, if Eli, and I left out any of our creations, Ben would play with them, utterly destroying them. As a result, we would rebuild even better creations, and eventually Ben did as well.

How - Respond to stirring

It’s about direction, not destination Ezra 1:5
Unless God builds the house Ps. 127

Why - The Holy Spirit directs in waves Ezra Ch. 2

Waves with various skills
I Thes. 5:19 don't quench the spirit

How - By bringing restoration/Fresh start Ezra 3:11-13

Sometimes the original foundation is wrong, or weak
We can’t move forward without dealing with the past Eph. 4:22-24

Why - Grace requires forgiveness

Resentment stifles growth

How - In spite of our enemies, for a just cause. Ezra Ch. 4

The world wants to dilute the absolute truth of God. Making us just like them.
We may seem to have setbacks, that’s why it’s about direction, not a destination.

Why - As a testimony of the one true God!! Heb. 12:1

So, what are we building??

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The lives of entertainers have always been the stuff of magazine articles, haven’t they? Multiple affairs and marriages, alcohol use and abuse, drug parties, emotional roller coasters, and of course children who tend to perpetuate the cycle of dysfunction. Not all entertainers live this way – some are quite normal – but so many have lives that can only be graciously described as “train wrecks.”

What would Jesus say to an entertainer today, if He were to watch a few episodes of Entertainment Tonight, or read a cheap magazine in the line at the grocery story? If Jesus were able to sit down and talk with one of the many wealthy, popular media stars that we pay to see and hear on a daily basis, what words of wisdom might He give? And, would Jesus challenge them in any way?

I think Jesus would embrace them, commend them for their talents, and then help them understand that There is nothing this world can offer that is more important and fulfilling than a life built on Jesus.

He would also tell them to:

Live your life “in Christ”
Base your life upon the teachings in God’s Word

Our scripture comes from Matthew 6:19-21

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One of the hardest working groups of people in our culture are teachers, and community servants. Some are in schools, others are in churches. They teach a variety of subjects in a number of different situations, and deal with people from every walk of life. Alongside them are public servants – some work in offices, others pick up trash or help our culture maintain law and order, others coming to the aid of those in need.

Teachers, and servants: If Jesus were to talk to one of these people, what would he say? Perhaps our passage in John 13:1-15 can help us understand

Jesus spoke clearly to this group in his actions and words! He would be very supportive and affirming to this group. He would say that Teaching and serving others are foundational values in God’s Kingdom.

Jesus’ words to a teacher or servant

The role of teacher or servant is a very good and Christian role
A Teacher or Servant assumes a heavy burden of responsibility
A teacher or servant can be a life-changing role model
A Teacher or servant can be a moral guide and ‘gatekeeper’ of actions.

Jesus would respect and honor those who serve and teach; those positions were where He spent his life!

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Have you, or someone you know ever been in a situation where we were overthinking a situation?

It's easy to do, and can happen for so many reasons. It may be financial issues, conflicts in a relationship, or problems with a job. Maybe all three!?!

No matter the reason, we can get ourselves in trouble when we overthink a situation. This can be especially dangerous in positions of great responsibility, and authority. It's not hard to recall moments like these with our boss, or in politics, and of course family members.

Overthinking our relationship with Jesus is no different. When we overthink it destroys our witness. When we do it does a number of things like; we put limits on God. In other words we put him in a box. We also make it about the works of our faith. This makes us over critical of ourselves, and others. After all of that we live out our faith motivated by guilt which eventually will make us resent God and others.

In our text, Genesis 40 we see both Joseph, and Pharaoh giving us some great ways to avoid overthinking, and showing our best witness for Christ.

Joseph's reputation revolves around why he was doing what he did, and not just the fact he did it.
What Joseph did, he did with excellence to glorify, and love on God. He was never trying to please anyone else other than God.
Pharaoh was humble enough to listen to Joseph.

What witness does Joseph's life show?

Genesis 41:15-16 15) Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, but no one can interpret it; and I have heard it said about you, that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” 16) Joseph then answered Pharaoh, saying, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.”

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Have you ever heard someone use the phrase, “We’re going to have a ‘come to Jesus’ meeting?” It usually means someone is in trouble, and they’re going to get an earful – in judgment, punishment, and correction from someone!

But what if. . . what if people really could have a ‘come to Jesus’ meeting – where they sat down and allowed Jesus to talk, and really listened – do you think that would change anything?

Today we begin a series dealing with that very issue – of different people in different stations in life having a ‘come to Jesus’ meeting. If Jesus were to sit down with someone, what would He say?

Our first person in this hypothetical situation is The Politician; it could be anyone in public office: our President, or a senator; a dictator from another culture; a shaman or religious leader who wields political power. What would Jesus say to them? Today, we reference Romans 13:1-5

I think one of the main ideas He might say is this

God has planned for people to gather under governmental systems.

Serving in a governmental position is a ministry of awesome responsibility and privilege.
Live a life of wisdom and self-restraint.
The Church can be a force for good in a society – work with it!

The wise politician, after this conversation with Jesus, would say something like this:

“Thy word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against Thee. . . I will meditate on Thy precepts, And regard thy ways. I shall delight in Thy statutes; I shall not forget Thy word. Thy word is a lamp to my feet, And a light to my path.” Psalm 119:11, 15-16, 105

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What in the world is a “steward,” anyway? How many times have you used that word in a sentence, or heard someone else use it? While some of us may have grown up in a time when that term was commonly used, more than the likely the younger ones hear have seldom, if ever, heard it used.

Interestingly, the scripture use the term “steward” often, and always in the context of the way believers are to approach their daily lives. Today we will look at 2 different passages in I Corinthians 4 and I Peter 4, both using this old term to guide us in this Christian life.

Being a good steward is simply a life lived with a conscious choice to honor God. As a follower of Jesus, your life is your gift to God!

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When we consider the issue of God’s purposes for the Church, we need to keep in mind our very real need for encouragement and support from other Christians – what is often called “fellowship.”

When Paul wrote his letter to the Roman church, they did not yet fully understood the way those in the faith were to love and support each other. This passage was one of many passages in scripture that teaches us of the way Christians in the Church were to connect. Our passage today is Romans 12:9-13

We’ve talked about the importance of worship and evangelism in the church; today we’re going to talk about the importance of our common bond of faith. Paul here teaches us that:

Christians are to nurture their sense of fellowship with other Christians
God uses the fellowship of Christians to bring positive things into our lives

God’s plan for Christian fellowship is brilliant! In the formation of The Church He has provided all who follow Jesus a place, and a group, that will accept and care for them.

Thank you to those that parked with us for Santa Cali Gon this past Labor Day weekend! All funds raised go to support our Children's and Youth Ministries as well as our Benevolence Funds to help families in need. You can also contribute financially to our Ministry here

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Please keep Rev Kev and his family in your thoughts and prayers. HIs mother passed away Saturday evening. Russell Peirce delivers an impassioned sermon entitled The Kingdom is in your Midst. He references Luke 17:20-21

If you will be in the Independence Square area for Santa Cali Got Labor Day weekend, please consider parking with us. All funds raised go to support our Children's and Youth Ministries as well as our Benevolence Funds to help families in need. You can also contribute financially to our Ministry here

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The word “worship” means one thing, and it’s very simple: Going to a church service - Right?

That’s sometimes the extent of peoples’ understanding of what worship is. In the last few years it has been slightly modified by some: You might even hear people refer to the musical part of a service is the “Worship,” and there’s everything else. We even call our Music leaders “worship leaders,” because of this. These and other examples show a real misunderstanding of what God considers “worship.”

The scriptures teach us something of worship in Paul’s letter to the Roman. Today, we reference Romans 12:1-2

Listen along as Rev Kev explains the teachings from this passage

Worship is an act or lifestyle that brings honor and glory to God
God can use a life of worship to change the world
God's Work through Worship

A life of faith is a gift of worship to God. This worship is a way to bring glory to God, and invite His presence and influence into our lives.

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I recently hear someone say to a family member, “How am I supposed to know if no-one tells me?”

That’s a good point, isn’t it? It applies to so many situations – even in the area of faith! If someone is never told about Jesus, how can they know and follow Him?

This is exactly the truth behind what the Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Christians in Colossae. In today's episode we reference Colossians 4:2-6

This passage shows us that:

Evangelism is God’s plan for drawing people into the faith
The Church has been given the task of sharing the gospel message

Rev Kev also shares some Guidelines for Evangelism

Approach with a spiritual attitude
Strengthen your witness with your lifestyle
Personalize the message

One other thing Paul adds at the end is especially important, especially in times of conflict and social upheaval – Be nice! “Let your speech always be with grace.” God calls us to share the message of Jesus with a gracious and loving attitude, and relate to others in a way that communicates the generous nature of this great gift from God. Avoid name-calling and judgmental comments, and treat people like you would like to be treated, and spoken to.

If you will be in the Independence Square area for Santa Cali Got. Please consider parking with us. All funds raised go to support our Children's and Youth Ministries as well as our Benevolence Funds to help families in need. You can also contribute financially to our Ministry here

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Why do we have “The Church?” Is it just religion, or is there more to it than that?

If we understand that The Church is nothing more, and nothing less, than God’s people, then we can gain a good understanding of why we have The Church, and what the purpose of The Church really is.

Even though The Church is a New Testament concept, established in the time of Jesus, the Old Testament stories can help us gain a sense of God’s purposes for His People.

Our Bible Passage comes from Jeremiah 29:4-14 which shares some great truths:

We are a part of God’s plan for eternity
God’s plans are best discovered and experienced within the Church

We are a part of God’s plan for eternity

God is eternal; He has always existed, there has never been a time when God did not exist. The very definition of God rejects the notion that someone created Him – by definition, God “is.” He always has been, is now, and will forever be! And, at some point before time as we know it began, God decided to create that which is our universe, and us.

In the passage we read, we see that God is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah about his plans for the people of Judah. Some background will help:

The Southern Kingdom, called Judah, was all that existed of the nation of Israel
The Northern Kingdom, Israel, had been destroyed in 722 b.c.
The passage we read was written about 590 b.c.
Assyria was in a many-years long conquest against Judah, which fell in 586 b.c. as part of God’s judgment against them.
The Babylonian leader, Nebuchadnezzar, had deported the leaders and academics, and would eventually bring others to Babylon to captivity.

Jeremiah’s letter was written to them, in captivity.

In these verses Jeremiah spoke for God; The message was simple, and contained “The Plan”

The key verse in v.11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, they are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

This was God’s Plan for them - “Make the best of where you are now. Live your life, establish relationships, build your homes. My plan is to bless you, and give you hope in the future. Trust me.”* God was reminding them of who they were, and that He had given them a purpose in life – They were to be God’s people, representing Him to everyone they encountered! They were to be obedient to His teachings, worship Him and Him alone, and bring other nations into the true faith, given by God. The future was going to bring challenges, but God would be with them!

This is not only a passage out of history: This can also serve as a sort of “parable” of God’s plan for all of His people! The simple truth is, God had a plan for His people in history – as worked out in Israel’s history; but the greater truth is that God has a plan for His People into all eternity! God’s plan for the Hebrew people, is God’s plan for His people in all ages and eras, into eternity!

This is where our lives are given meaning and purpose! Our lives are given meaning and purpose as we live out our lives in the mundane routines of life – our discoveries and experiences, and our relationships with both man and God. There is a purpose to all we experience – to experience the joys of relationships with others, and with God! What we do now in this life, affects us into eternity.

Our lives of faith, lived out in The Church, have an eternal purpose and meaning, because the experiences and relationships that are “our life” are a part of God’s grand plan for us!

Your task as a Christ-follower is to discern God’s plan for your life, and live out that plan. More than a simple “map,” though, God’s plan is revealed and experienced as we live our lives in relationship with others, and with God!

God’s plans are best discovered and experienced within the Church

Don’t think this is just a trick to get you to go to a certain building on a certain day. The Church is best understood as people who have received Christ as Savior, and made him Lord and Master of their lives. They follow Him with their lives, they study the Word of God together, they worship together, and they live their lives, nurturing the relationships that are part of “the Plan.”

In our passage in Jeremiah, the people were separated from each other – their relationships with each other had been broken by their captivity, and their relationships with God had been broken because of their sin. Jeremiah was calling them to get back into “the Plan,” by telling them to get on with their lives, where they were – nurturing their relationships with each other: v.6, “marry, and have children. Then find spouses for them, and have many grandchildren.” They were to multiply, and nurture their relationship with God. vv.13-14a, “If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me. I will be found by you, says the Lord.”

This is no obscure teaching that you’ve never heard! Real life – life that has meaning and purpose, and gives us hope for the future – is best founded upon a relationship with God, and worked out in relationships with others. There is nothing easy to it! It comes as you live each day with faith, struggling against sin and apathy, and loving and serving others. God’s Plan for you and for The Church may not include a life of ease, or a “cure” for every problem, but it is worth it!

One day, centuries after Jeremiah gave this message to his people, Jesus was questioned by one in the crowd, a lawyer: “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus looked him in the eye and said these words, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as Yourself.” On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:34-40)

Jesus made a sincere religious faith simple, and showed us how to be in tune with “the Plan.” Live in good relationship with others; and live in good relationship with God!

God’s Plan for The Church is profound, and life-changing, but very simple: Love God and follow His will, and love others as you serve them every way you can. When we follow God’s plan our lives are changed and blessed by Him, and His name is glorified!

You can support our Missions financially by Giving Here

If you would like more information about our church, please email us at FBCIndep@gmail.com

Worship in person with us every Sunday morning at 10:30AM at 500 West Truman Road in Historic Independence, Missouri. We are one block East of the Harry Truman Home.

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It was Vacation Bible School Week at the Church this week. The theme was Old School and the building was brimming with energy from all the kids all week! When something is “old school,” we understand it to be a positive thing – it means that whatever we’re talking about might seem to be a little “old fashioned,” but it is as good, or better, than anything else that has come along! That’s what we talked about this week with our children – we talked about the way that the Gospel is “old school,” because it has been around a very long time and, even though it may seem old fashioned to some, it is still relevant and viable, and even better than anything else that has come along.

We are surrounded by new things! Smart Phones and electronic devices, new forms of shopping, and even dramatic changes in cars, moving from gas to electric. Begrudgingly, we have to admit that the new ways are good; maybe even as good as the old ways. But sometimes, the old ways are better!

Here are a few of the “Old School” ideas our Vacation Bible School kids learned this week:

Our God is the all-knowing creator.
God speaks to us and leads us through His Word, and His Spirit.
God has offered us the chance to get things right – to start over in this life!

The Gospel is primarily about God saving us from our sin! It has nothing to do with how good you are, or who you know, or what you’ve done – It is all about God working, through his crucified and resurrected son Jesus, to cleanse you, and save you from your sin. And after that, God intends to use you in the fight against evil; He gives you a purpose, and a way to make a positive difference in this life!

This is the “old school” gospel – and we can definitely say here, “Sometimes, old school is better!”

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘but the righteous man shall live by faith.’” Romans 1:16-17

Our passage today comes from Genesis, Deuteronomy, and Ephesians

You can support our Missions financially by Giving Here

If you would like more information about our church, please email us at FBCIndep@gmail.com

Worship in person with us every Sunday morning at 10:30AM at 500 West Truman Road in Historic Independence, Missouri. We are one block East of the Harry Truman Home.

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The Church was and is a great idea – unless we mess with it. “The Church” it is not a place or a building, it is us! We are formed by God, to serve.

Have you ever begun a task or project that was pure and simple, but before long it had been tweaked and changed to the point that it barely resembled the original goal? It’s called “Mission Creep,” and it can affect projects, companies, and even those in the Church. Satan tempted Jesus to fall for the temptation of “mission creep” in the way that He would lead his Church.

Jesus final temptation teaches us that

God’s people must resist the world’s effects upon the practice of our faith.
A compromised faith appeals to our desires to “get what you want.”

Our passage today comes from Luke 4:9-13

You can support our Missions financially by Giving Here

If you would like more information about our church, please email us at FBCIndep@gmail.com

Worship in person with us every Sunday morning at 10:30AM at 500 West Truman Road in Historic Independence, Missouri. We are one block East of the Harry Truman Home.

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It's a special 4th of July Message as Rev Kev has returned from vacation and is ready to talk about how if we allow God into our lives, He will bless us. That goes for our Nation too! It may not be politically correct to say this in our culture today – but we have been blessed by Almighty God! Today we gather and worship, just as we do every Sunday of every week of every year. We gather to worship a God who has worked to bring us salvation, forgiveness of sins, the ability to live a life with joy, and the eternal rewards that await those that follow Jesus – just like every other week of the year. Except that this Sunday is just a little different, isn’t it? We gather like every other Sunday to worship – but on this day, the day before we as a nation celebrate the Freedoms and privileges that came so dear, we gather to worship the God who has worked to bring our great nation into existence! It may be unpopular for us to say this because our nation is struggling with the idea of God and faith, and whether or not He matters; but we gather today, and celebrate our faith in the God that has changed our personal lives, and the ways in which God has acted in our own nation’s history! This act of worship is nothing new: The Hebrew people often stopped their activities to do this very thing. Even though they as a people went through difficult times, economic downturns, and even military defeats, they continually came back and recognized that the very reason they existed as a people was because God had worked to bring that about. In our passage, the Psalmist writes of God’s blessings on nations. We reference Psalms 33:12-22 12) Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance. 13) The Lord looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men; 14) From His dwelling place He looks out On all the inhabitants of the earth, 15) He who fashions the hearts of them all, He who understands all their works. 16) The king is not saved by a mighty army; A warrior is not delivered by great strength. 17) A horse is a false hope for victory; Nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength. 18) Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness, 19) To deliver their soul from death And to keep them alive in famine. 20) Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. 21) For our heart rejoices in Him, Because we trust in His holy name. 22) Let Your lovingkindness, O Lord, be upon us, According as we have hoped in You. In this Psalm, which was written to honor God and recognize His blessings upon a people, there are a couple of teachings we acknowledge: * God chooses those whom He will bless. * God watches over the people who choose to follow Him.

God chooses those whom He will bless The old phrase was simply, “How odd of God, to choose the Jews.” This was a way of saying that God chose to bless the Jewish people before they were a people – and blessed them, even though no-one knew them, loved them, or cared about them. Indeed, when God chose to work in and through Moses to bring the people out of Egypt, the Jewish nation did not even exist. They were a slave people thrown into a miserable situation, and poor and helpless. They cried out to God and He heard their prayers, and began to work to bring them from slavery to the Promised Land, and make them a people that would stand forever. God “chose” to bless them, form them into a nation, and be their God. That is not so different from the way he has chosen to bless our nation, is it? The earliest settlers here – the Pilgrims – rejoiced that God had brought them safely to our shores, and their first act upon arriving at Plymouth Rock was to kneel and have prayer – thanking God for bringing them here, to begin a new nation that was free from the tyranny of an overpowering government. They also dedicated their new colony to God’s use and glory. Over and again our early leaders reaffirmed their faith in God’s work and blessings, oftentimes writing of their faith, and God’s work in historical events. Our first president, George Washington, wrote often regarding our Christian faith. Here is just one quote: “It is impossible to govern the world without God and the Bible. Of all dispositions and habits that lead to political prosperity, our religion and morality are indispensable supporters.” Our early leaders were not perfect, to be sure; and, we must acknowledge the evil of some of their actions; but within them there was the sense that they were involved in something much larger than themselves – they really believed God was at work! In retrospect we can see that God chose to use them, flawed as they were, and to bless them and guide them in their efforts – to form us and to bless us as a nation! “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.” (v.12) There is something else here for us as we prepare to celebrate our nation’s birth, and blessings: God watches over the people who choose to follow Him Pslams 34:18-19 18) The Lord is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit. 19) Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all. The history of God’s people was one of blessings when they were faithful to God, and one of troubles when they rebelled against His leadership. God never required them to be perfect, but He did require that they worship only Him, and make efforts to live according to his will and desires. He was gracious and patient, and fully willing to protect and bless them – as long as they would follow Him in faith! The pattern was the same under Moses, and the Judges, and the Kings – when the people rebelled against God they suffered the consequences, but when they turned from their sin and followed God they were blessed! This is the way God has always worked with His people – He always loves us and desires to bless us – but our sin and rebellion invariably brings suffering and loss. Again, this is the way God has always worked with His people – even in our own nation’s history: Our nation is at its best when we live true to biblical teachings, and at its worst when we reject them: * When we rejected the biblical teaching that all are created equal and utilized slavery and prejudice, we brought great misery and destruction to everyone. The slaves and their families suffered immeasurably, and our nation to this day struggles with the emotional impact that slavery has had upon our people. * When we rejected the biblical teachings regarding human sexuality and the importance of the family, we began a downward spiral that has damaged the mental and emotional health of millions of children, and threatens the very strength and unity of our nation. * When we followed the leadership of God’s people in the past, and our leaders and our people united in prayer after the tragedy of 9-11, our nation became stronger and better than ever before! When Christians united in hurricane relief after Katrina (over 60% of volunteers were Christian!); we saw a nation that was generous and loving, and worked for the common good.

When we acknowledge God’s place in our lives God forgives and works and blesses, especially in times of fear and desperation! Our nation is a great nation, blessed by God! We are not perfect; we have profound flaws in our society that have come as a result of rejection of God’s leadership; at the same time, however, God loves us and continues to bless us and make us strong. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance. I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. O magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together. O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!" Psalms 33:12; 34:1, 3, 8 What are your biggest takeaways from today's sermon? Do you have feedback on today's sermon? Is there something you would like to discuss further? Drop me a line either at revk@fbcindep.org or fill out our Connection Card and let's talk! Contribute to our Ministry here https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give

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Rev Kev is on a well deserved vacation, but nothing to worry the congregation was left in the very capable hands of Russell Peirce. Listen along as Russell discuss how Christians are often faced with the important decision to Flee, Freeze, or Fight. He also draw parallels in how Jesus responded when he was put in these same situations.

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One of the greatest challenges to Christians of every era is the resistance to godly faith that exists everywhere. A pagan culture or belief system is one that is not focused on Christian teachings, Jesus, and the Bible. Many cultures do not practice Christianity but accept its teachings as good and moral, where some cultures actively resist some/all biblical teachings, particularly those re: Jesus. The challenge for Christians is:1) to be strong in their faith and not compromise on essential teachings in the face of cultural rejection and ridicule; 2) To boldly and openly practice/proclaim their faith in light of culture; and 3) Resist tendency of reductionism, i.e., to reduce all religion to "the same” based on ethical teachings, etc.

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Over the last few weeks we’ve looked as some of the challenges to our faith – the assertions of science, skepticism over miracles, etc. But one of the most drastic and devastating challenges to our faith comes from within – it is a faith that is weak and impure that is vulnerable to attack.

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What happens when you die?” is a huge question for most people. Today, Kevin discusses how Jesus guides us as we deal with those that would challenge our Christian beliefs regarding eternity. He mentions two major ideas; the first is the person of God:

God is the righteous and discerning judge
The issue of eternal destinations is an important part of our faith

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The scriptures encourage faith in the miraculous, and challenge the modern mind. Over time we have become a little suspicious when we hear the word miracle. We understand many things of nature now that were once considered miracles, and Doctors everyday do what was once considered “miraculous.” Due to these realizations some Christians may feel threatened or intimidated, or even embarrassed, because of their belief in miracles.

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We all wonder why bad things happen to good people. Even people of faith are challenged by the cruelty of life on Earth. We believe in an all-giving and loving God; at the same time we live in a world where terrible things happen. From non-Christian perspective, Words of a loving and caring God who doesn’t stop all evil and disease seems to be a good reason to reject any notion of a caring and all-powerful God.

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The God of all truth is the God of all scientific truth. Scientific truth will ultimately lead a follower of Christ into a deeper faith and trust in Him

Accompanying scripture II Peter 3:3-9

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“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. The unfolding of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple. For You light my lamp; the Lord my God illumines my darkness. The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? Psalms 119:105, 130; 18:27-29; 27:1

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